HUMPHREY HAMMOND FOR GJA-GIJ PRESIDENT

With GIJ SRC general elections over, attention has now been turned to the election of GJA-GIJ Student chapter executive. One candidate who has popped up in the race to contest for the Presidency slot is L300's Humphrey Hammond. Below is a comprehensive release by Mr Humphrey.

Humphrey Hammond is aspiring for the
GJA-GIJ Presidential office

Political colleagues, fellow students, I bring you greetings from my campaign team and my very self. This is your chief and humbled and servant HUMPHREY HAMMOND who once again has offered himself to serve the Association. I seek to contest for the position of President of the Association.

My history with the Association has been remarkable and pertinent experience. In level 100, your chief servant served as the GJA Class Representative for this particular community. I succeeded in communicating all matters of the Association to members and got some registered. Also, my contribution was seen in the Associations outside engagement such as our industrial visits to Graphic Communications Group, New Times Corporation and TV3.

With these experiences, I contested for the position of Programs Coordinator in my second year of which I won. I served in this capacity for one academic year and my policies and programs greatly affected the Association in diverse ways. All workshops and seminars were organized well and publicity for these activities was treated with great consent.

I partnered the other executives in bringing some renowned media professionals such as Gideon Aryequaye, Samuel Adjemang, Kwame Sefa Kayi , Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Gifty Anti, amongst others who shared their experiences in the world of work to us.

In partnership with the office of the President, we successfully organized a seminar on human rights advocacy which was highly patronized and certificates of participation issued. I ran several errands for the Association including the purchase of stationary, hiring of chairs and the issuance of notices.

I managed to make the informal session of our general meeting more informative, interactive and more educative.

Currently, I am the Vice Executive Chairman of The Black Toms and Associates, an election think-tank and the Public Relations Officer for Campus TV. Apart from these, I was appointed as the Chairman of the Election and Vetting Committee of GJA-GIJ in 2011.

MY SOCIAL CONTRACTS WITH THE ASSOCIATION
I pledge to in the short term:
 Totally eliminate the relationship gap between GJA-GIJ and the Parent Association.
 Seek answers to our qualification or otherwise for the Media Development Fund.
 Liberate our caged membership ID cards.
 Project towards a peaceful election in December 2012.
• Partner the Parent Association in its elections projects.
• Establish a GJA-GIJ Book of Peace.
• Broadcast the 2008 Election Film.
• Produce a peace jingle; TV and Radio.
• Political Forum to interact with major political parties.
• Seminar on GJA Guidelines on Election Coverage.
 Reinstate the educational and industrial visits.
 Embark on a massive membership drive.
 Employ the use of all communication channels to publicize events of the Association.
 Make our website more interactive, attractive and current.

LONG TERM
 Establish a GJA-GIJ Charity Fund.
 Observe some celebrated world days
• World Press Freedom Day
• World AIDs Day
• World Malaria Day, etc.
 Build and sharpen the human resource of the Association. Motivate and transform members into more professional and ethical people with a corporative touch.
 Market the Association to the outside world.
• Affiliate associations.
• International institutions.
• Corporate bodies.
 Deepen the decentralization process through an effective class representative system.
 Make members the fore runners of the proposed GIJ Radio.
 Make the Association a modern and corporate entity.

I humbly solicit for the support and votes of students to help materialize these policies.
THE NEW WAVE OF REVOLUTIONARY LEADERSHIP HAS ARRIVED
BE INFORMED TO INFORM
VOTE HUMPHREY HAMMOND AS GJA-GIJ PRESIDENT.

RAYMOND BAYOR DECLARED SRC PRESIDENT, BATINI AND FREDA DEDZIE CRUISE

Raymond Bayor Yeldidong is the SRC
President elect!

Raymond Bayor Yeldidong has been declared new SRC President after being massively endorsed by students in the SRC general elections on Monday.


Freda Dedzie managed to pip her competitor Gifty Amevor to the race by edging her with 54.93% percent of the total votes cast.

Miss Dedzie whose candidature was known in the last day of nominations beat expectations to emerge winner of the polls and becomes the new Women's Commissioner.

Her supporters celebrated the victory late into the night on campus after the EC declared the results.

In the Financial Secretary contest, Isaac Kofi Batini survived a late scare to beat Miss Selina Owusu to get the nod.

Fans of the L300 student staged protest outside of the voting room after the Electoral Commission allowed GBC students who showed up after the closing time to vote.

Calm was restored and the process continued smoothly. In the strong room, agent of Miss Selina Owusu, Samuel Creppy, initially protested the results but his concerns were no means a concern.

Mr Batini went ahead to sweep 324 votes representing 53.64% of the total votes cast with Miss Selina Owusu gaining 279 votes.


More to follow........................

RAINS DISRUPTS ELECTIONS TWICE

By: Joscelyne Ahiable

EC Chair, David Banamini  checking the eligibility of a voter

The GIJ general elections which began on Saturday was brought to an abrupt end by a heavy downpour after 104 people had voted.

Before the rains, Weekend students had been trickling in to cast their votes.

Despite the low turn-out which was worsened by the rains, the Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Banamini, had high hopes for when the elections resumed on Monday.

However, it turns out the Regular and Afternoon students are more apathetic than their counterparts in the Weekend Program as the elections have recorded the lowest turn-out ever in the history of elections in the school.

 Mr. David Banamini, the Electoral Commissioner, attributed this unprecedented apathy to the lack of competition for the various offices being contested for.

The rains, which disrupted the elections again on Monday, forced the Electoral Commission to relocate to Top-Up lecture room 1.

Students voting

In spite of this, David Banamini refuses to be pessimistic. To him, what can redeem the appalling turn-out are the students in GBC who, he believes, are more than enough to cause a definitive change.

He commented that the Commission is working with Mr. Richard Quashigah, head of the Broadcasting Department, to bring the students over to exercise their franchise.

The elections will come to a close on Monday at 1600 GMT with provisional results to be declared later that night with candidates, their polling agents, and some students expected to leave the school’s premises at least by 12 midnight.

POLLS SET TO OPEN ON SATURDAY FOR SRC ELECTIONS

GIJ weekend students go to the polls on Saturday to elect their SRC Executives for the 2012/13 academic year. 

According to the Electoral Commission voting will begin at 7 GMT and end at exactly 16 00 GMT on campus. 

Eight (8) students have put themselves up to contest for six executive positions. However four of these positions have one aspirant each running for them; Bayor Raymond Yeldidong is going unchallenged for the position of SRC President with Godfred Gogo, Gyan Enock and Philip Atawura have their candidature unchallenged. 

Former GA Speaker Godfred Tawiah Gogo is running solely for the office of General Secretary while the assertive Gyan Enock is expected to be endorsed by the students body after he emerged as the only runner for the External Affairs Commissioner position. 

The soft-spoken Philip Atawura is hoping to secure the nod to get to the office of Organising Secretary.

The EC gave the green light for aspirants to official launch their campaigns after the Vetting Committee declared all aspirants eligible to run for their various positions.

The fate of the heated race between Miss Gifty Amevor and Freda Dedzie will initially be known on Saturday as results will be announced by the EC.

However, the winner of Saturday's polls cannot afford jubilation yet as the weekend population form just a small quota of the whole student population. 

Isaac Kofi Batini will have to fend off competition from a last-gasp contestant Selina Owusu Nyamekye. Little has been seen of Miss Selina's campaign with her constituents somehow unknown.

The general atmosphere has been calm during campaigning and politicking. A public vetting was held on Thursday. Students had the opportunity to quiz aspirants on their campaign promises and aims and vision.

Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com will bring you live updates from the election centre on Saturday and file comprehensive reports after results has been declared by the EC chair. 

Joscelyne Ahiable leads the team.

THE WOMEN'S COMMISSION RACE:A GOLIATH AND GOLIATH AFFAIR?

The 2012 GIJ elections has not, fortunately or unfortunately, been marked by any scandals so far. It has rather been quite diplomatic to say the least though there has been some undercurrents that have been rippling for quite a while now. GIJelection2012coverage.blogspot.com, per its mission statement to bring to its readers a balanced reportage of ongoing events, brings you the first in a series of features geared towards bridging the gap between candidates and the electorate. 

Joscelyne Ahiable, Co-Editor of GIJelection2012coverage.blogspot.com brings you this feature.


The Women’s Commission is a monument to sexism.  Yes, I said it and you can quote me on that. But though its existence affects both sides of the gender divide, Women are perhaps the most affected since the Commission’s name in itself demeans them by implying that they are weak and thus need ‘special’ attention.

While a gender equality advocate will campaign for the scraping of such a testament to eons of cultural stereotyping and discrimination, it is a fight to be postponed to another time. For now, the women on campus’ incessant cries for ‘attention’ have dredged out two candidates willing to bell the cat.

GIJelection2012coverage.blogspot.com therefore sat down with Miss Freda Dedzie , the 22 year-old L300 student vying for the office of Women’s Commissioner; her contender, Miss Gifty Amevor, failed to honour the appointment for an  interview and so everything I write about her is based on observations and what I heard during her public vetting.

Concerning the welfare of the female students on campus, Miss Dedzie identified certain issues she tags ‘pertinent’ such as the women’s lackadaisical attitude toward taking up leadership positions and the seemingly perpetually deplorable state of the women’s wash-room.

To these, she outlined a tantalizing program to garner support from the school’s feminine population and prolific plans to source for funds outside of the school; she had been to General Assembly meetings and realized that getting support from the SRC in the form of financial aid for most of programs was as possible as the phenomena of flying dogs.

She expects to succeed in her quest to ‘making a difference’ with the full support of the female student-body, her stellar background in having held several leadership positions at various stages of her life, as well as her enviable experience in women’s welfare as the Women’s Commission Rep for her class since L100.

I cannot say same for Miss Amevor though, internal experience wise, since she is a Diploma 1 student. It cannot be told also as to whether she has represented her class as the WC rep.

GIJelection2012coverage.blogspot.com can however affirm, from the horse’s own mouth, that she is a certified teacher; of what grade nobody knows.  Although her modus operandi was similar to that of Miss Dedzie in certain aspects such as their shared passion for encouraging women to take up leadership roles and the fight to make the female wash-room more humane, I noticed at the public vetting that she tended to limit herself, in re funding for her programs, to the SRC and the school administration.

This cast her whole campaign in an amateurish glint and exposed a naiveté that could make her tenure, if she should win, a disillusion, and lay to waste a whole academic year of running with scissors, trying to grasp wisps of nothingness.

Despite her staggering shortfalls however, she seems to have massive and unwavering support from her home turf, the Diploma students, not, dare I say, because of her policies but rather because she is one of only two aspirants running for Executive office from Diploma.

Miss Dedzie has emphatically stated that whether win or lose, she is ready to work with her contender if she (Miss Amevor) is willing to.

I say that a monstrosity of an avalanche of responsibilities awaits the winner and they better be able to clear the hurdles or it will be war. Besides, nobody prodded them to go bell the cat.

COMMUNIQUE MANIFESTO OF ISAAC KOFI BATINI, AN ASPIRANT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE SRC OF GIJ FOR THE 2012/2013 ACADEMIC YEAR, PRESENTED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 16TH OF MAY, 2012.

All Aspirants appeared before a public vetting on Wednesday and your election platform brings you the full statements as read by the aspirants.

Honourable Chairman of the Electoral Commission, his excellence the SRC president and other Executive Committee Members present, my elegant looking contender, fellow aspirants, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon.

My name is Isaac Kofi Batini, a third year Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies student of GIJ. I began my educational journey at Aflao E.P. Tokor Primary & JSS for my BECE in 2003 and proceeded to Three-Town Secondary School, where I offered General Arts with Economics, Elective Mathematics, Government and Geography as my electives.

After getting my WASSCE in 2006, I joined the National Youth Employment Program where I was posted to Aflao-Agblekpui L.A. Primary & JSS as a Community Teaching Assistant. I taught English, Mathematics, Agricultural Science and French for three years before applying to GIJ in 2009.

Mr. Chair, I stand before you this lovely afternoon to narrate my AGENDA for the office of the Financial Secretary of the GIJ-SRC. But before I do that, one may ask, what function does the Financial Secretary perform?

Mr. Chair, fellow colleagues, the office of the Financial Secretary of the SRC was established under Article 7, Clause 7 of the GIJ-SRC Constitution. By the provisions of this article, the Financial Secretary is supposed to keep and maintain accurate records of all financial transactions of the SRC; present financial statements to GA for approval before the execution of any plan or action needing finance; prepare and present periodic statements on the income and expenditure of the SRC at least twice every semester; together with President and General Secretary, be signatory to the SRC financial accounts; shall be treasurer to the SRC Week celebrations, and perform any other functions not inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution.
Mr. Chair, what I intend to do when elected the Financial Secretary of the SRC can be classified under three thematic areas:
1. PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY IN SRC TRANSACTIONS
2. PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY IN SRC,
3. AND BRING INNOVATION ON BOARD IN LOOKING FOR SPONSORSHIP FOR SRC PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES.
Mr. Chair, in promoting transparency, I intend to involve all stakeholders at every stage of the budget cycle; that is the preparation, implementation, auditing and monitoring and evaluation stages. I will follow best practices in the drafting and implementation of the budget. The class reps, the notice boards and the internet will be fully utilized in the dissemination of information about the income and expenditure of the SRC.

On accountability, Mr. Chair, I intend to persuade the President to put in place an effective and working Audit Committee within the shortest possible time of assuming office. The Audit Committee which was established under Article 23 of the SRC Constitution to audit the accounts of the SRC including all halls and clubs. I would make sure the Committee is given all the necessary support and freedom to work without fear or favor. This will ensure that SRC executives and appointees, including the executives of the halls and clubs are held accountable to students on how they spend students’ money.

On innovation, Mr. Chairman, I believe the time has come for GIJ-SRC to boast of its own sets of canopies, plastic chairs and public address systems. I intend to work with my co-executives in instituting an ‘Alumni’s Day’ where both the alumni and current students of the institute raise funds to sponsor the purchase of these items. More than 90% of the weekend and top-up class are alumni of this institute. They constitute a good source of funding for the SRC and I intend to fully explore this area. Steps shall be taken to fully include the alumni in all activities of the SRC.

   Mr. Chair, Article 9(b and c) of the SRC constitution states that “a student shall not be qualified to any executive office unless he or she has considerable exposure and experience in GIJ-SRC affairs and has served on GA or on any SRC committee for at least 6 months. Mr. Chair, fellow colleagues, the past three or so years of my stay in GIJ has not been spent as a PASSIVE ONLOOKER. I have, since the first day I step my foot in GIJ been ACTIVELY involved in all spheres of SRC and student activism.

I was an Organizing Secretary of CCF-GIJ Chapter; Degree Coordinator of Osagyefo Hall; Vice President of the French Communicators Club; Past Member, vetting committee of GJA-GIJ chapter; Programs Manager of SIFE-GIJ; immediate past Chief Statistician of the Black Toms & Associates, an on-campus election think-tank; Member of the External Affairs Commission; Honorable Member of General Assembly; Member of the Audit Committee of the SRC, to mention but a few. Hon. Chair, fellow colleagues, having served students in these diverse portfolios, I am of the highest conviction that I am highly qualified to step into the shoes of the Financial Secretary of the SRC, and I believe you all share in my conviction.

Mr. Chairman, fellow colleagues, this contest is never about who is a female and who is a male. It is never about being in diploma or degree. It is a contest of ideas, of experience, exposure and competence. And I believe I fully satisfy all these criteria. I therefore call on you never to sacrifice competence, experience and exposure for anything.

Come Saturday and Monday, please TAKE THE RIGHT STEP AND GET ISAAC BATINI ENDORSED AS THE FINANCIAL SECREATRY OF THE SRC.
Thank you and God bless us all.

TEAM McCARTHY FOR GJA-GIJ CHAPTER COMMUNIQUE

As the main SRC elections draw closer, there are also students who are interested in vying other offices. Charles McCarthy is contesting for the position of GIJ-GJA chapter President.

For immediate release 16th May, 2012.

Today, I confirm that after wide consultations spanning the nine geo-political zones that make up Ghana Institute of Journalism, making up of members of my class, my year group, the opposition, level 300, the morning class, members of the afternoon class, weekend students, student groups and our revered religious community, I Charles McCarthy BK by the grace of God hereby offer myself and my services to GIJ-GJA as a candidate for the office of President in the fourth coming elections. 

In presenting myself for service, I make no pretense that I have a magic wand that will solve all of GIJ-GJA’S problems or that I am the most intelligent Student. Far from it.

What I do promise is this – If I am elected President, I will make a covenant with GIJ-GJA members to always do right, to tell you the truth at all times, to carry you along and most importantly to listen to you, fellow citizens in our communities and also those of you on this campus. I do not want to win your affections by giving you fat promises of things I would do in the future which others before me have given and which have largely been unfulfilled.

Rather, I would want you to judge me by my records. Since God Almighty and you permitted me to serve you in the present capacity as a member, I have busied myself with setting GIJ-GJA on the path of peace and progress.

I know you are tired of empty promises, so I will make only one promise to you today. The only promise I make to you my friends, fellow students, is to promise LESS and deliver MORE if I am elected.

I call on you to join me to work together in harmony and synergy to forge a GIJ-GJA where we understand our differences instead of pretending they do not exist and work towards a perfect Association founded on transparency, equity and justice.

Association that is on her way to repairing her Institutional reputation and project to the world that things have changed and the people of GIJ have now taken GIJ-GJA back from a few into the hands of her people who are eager, very eager to pull her weight in the forward movement of the African continent and the world in the pursuit of Journalism.

I call on you my friends and all GIJ Students to give me your support and prayers so that together we can liberate our association from the confines and self –inflicted wounds and limitations of the past. My dear friends and fellow students, to borrow an often used slogan by our youths, please join me in proclaiming: Forward Ever, Backward Never! Please let us all unite across tongue and creed to move our long suffering association forward together.

Charles McCarthy BK

Diploma One Morning

This shall be Team Bayor’s social contract with the students of GIJ:

All Aspirants appeared before a public vetting on Wednesday and your election platform brings you the full statements as read by the aspirants.

• We shall take steps to ensure the speedy installation of Radio equipment for our FM station.
• Take steps to ensure effective internet connectivity on campus.
• An efficient GIJ website to enable students access their results online.
• Engage Management to ensure the speedy completion of the structures at our new site.
• Lobby Management to construct summer huts for conducive learning, relaxation, and for internet browsing.
• Negotiate with hostel operators for space and affordable rent for GIJ students.
• Work to ensure that the school bus conveys students to Tema Station, alongside the current circle-37 route.
• A commitment to completely overhaul the face of entertainment in GIJ.
• Strategic organisation of tours, vibrant debates, parties and other fun-related activities.
• Work closely with the women’s commissioner for the refurbishment and expansion of the Female Lavatory.
• Ensure that the gents is sanitised at all times.
• Amendment of SRC constitution.
• Resource the Sports Committee of GIJ as well as the building of a strong football team and the promotion of other sporting disciplines

         Leadership is cause: every other thing is effect.

MANIFESTO READ BY ENOCK GYAN AT THE SRC PUBLIC VETTING FOR THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTIONS ON 16TH MAY, 2012 AT THE UPPER LECTURE HALL

All Aspirants appeared before a public vetting on Wednesday and your election platform brings you the full statements as read by the aspirants.

Enock Gyan 

The EC Chair, distinguished members of the commission, colleague aspirants, fellow students. I am indeed honored to be here today to be scrutinized by all of you herein gathered as an aspirant for the office of the External Affairs Commissioner.

My name is Enock Gyan, Passionate by birth, humble by parentage and a student of GIJ by way of a jackpot in heaven.
The question about raising the status of GIJ to me is a question of dynamic external relations. From the little I know most great schools with global endorsement today have acquired their enviable brand as a result of their ability to network into the minds and hearts of the great contacts they have. I will kindly like to use Ashesi University and African Leadership Academy as examples both institutions were founded by Ghanaians, people I can confidently say we share at least some similar characteristics having come into contact with them. Fred Swaniker, brother of Constance Swaniker who founded African Leadership Academy is a TED fellow like his Ghanaian counterpart Patrick Awuah, founder and President of Ashesi University. TED, founded by CNN’S Ted is a store of doers, groundbreakers and great innovators. Both gentlemen also were employees of great companies. Swaniker was with the business employment giant Mckinsey and co. while Awuah worked closely with Bill Gates at Microsoft.
Straight to the point!
• Both started their schools receiving unprecedented support from friends, family and business giants because of how superb their idea sounded. The MasterCard foundation gives a whooping 1.6 million to Ashesi & 9 million USD to African Leadership Academy.
• ALA has been rated with the Likes of Harvard as part of top ten institutions with strong networking globally. Ashesi continues to chalk great strides.
It is my contention that GIJ needs a similar approach to see a rise in the status of its SRC.We need just more opportunities for students via an effective communication channel. We need to make a strong case to our neighbours and the corporate world so they can have the confidence when partnering us. Like advertisers say, doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark, you know what you are doing but your target does not. Coincidentally the External affairs commissioner per his roles of being the NUGS & GUPS representative for the school is expected to prosecute this agenda.
At the base of my camapign are the setting up of a press corp, publishing an electronic newsletter and a business incubation programme to be known as enterprise 101. The capstone of my campaign is to speak out on NUGS and GUPS issues.
• PRESS CORP-In house media reps.
• E-NEWSLETTER-20 page newsletter to be served to students via bulk mail.
• ENTERPRISE 101-Provide support for student initiative via mentorship.
• SPEAK OUT ON NUGS & GUPS issues.
• I have been humbled by the support i have received and keep receiving. I really appreciate. Thanks a million! I beleieve there is 'more room for more' with your support
Members of the EC, colleagues, as you go to the polls remember that Enock Gyan is poised to bring aboard the SRC ship a change we can feel. I am counting on your endorsement. Looking ahead, it is not going to be juicy and rossy. But together WE WILL,  WE SHALL & WE CAN ! Let it be YES!

Thank you!

THE INTERVIEW PART 1: SOLE SRC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BAYOR RAYMOND YELDIDONG

SRC Presidential hopeful Bayor Yeldidong Raymond sits down with blog chief Akyereko Frimpong Manson at the SRC Media Center for a wide-ranging interview, his first since appearing before the Vetting Committee.

Mr Bayor Raymond Yeldidong speaks about his vision
for the Institute

GIJ2012: Bayor Raymond Yeldidong thank you very much for joining us on 'The Interview'.

BRY: Thank you sir.

GIJ2012: I will like to begin by asking you how you saw the entire vetting processes and how you responded to the committee's questions.

BRY: The entire vetting processes was very revealing. To be very honest I was enthused by fact the vetting committee very decorous in its approach to the entire process. As I said it was expected to bring out our sterling qualities to the fore. It brought out the best in us and I'm very convinced about that the fact that campaign has been declared and all of us have been declared eligible to enter into the race it means that we have the that we have acquitted ourselves ahead of the battle.

GIJ2012: Election are due for May after the Vetting Committee declared you eligible to contest and the politics is gathering momentum, how do you assess the mood of the students ahead of the election later this month?

BRY: Normally when you are dealing with voter attitude it is very fluid. Sometimes the impression you make based on interpersonal engagement with the individual might not truly be the situation down their heart but we are quite bullish, we are convinced that this process will end on a good note and hopefully we will win.

GIJ2012: One particular area that has generated a lot of interest among voters about your campaign is your running mate, he is already into the media and all that. What speciality does your running mate bring on board because we have seen from the when Vice Presidents come and they are missing from the scene after being voted into power. 

BRY: Yeah indeed leadership is a collective responsibility and my running mate will complement my effort so that we can give students of this Institute leadership that is truly deserving. I think that he is a young man just like me except that he is on radio. I have absolute confidence in his ability to deliver. 


Giving the fact that he is on radio, he has assess to the cream de la cream of the Ghanaian entertainment industry and you will realise that entertainment has been perennial problem for the good student of this school and we think it is time we start taking steps that will seek to give the faith of entertainment a phase-lift. 


I that has been one of the trump card and I also think that he is well connected to Ghana's corporate industry and I think that it is time we embrace the kind of leadership that will think out of the box. 


We must begin to overlook our organic sources of income and when I say this I'm referring to the dues that are aggregated at the semester fees to other sources of raising resources at the corporate level and I think that he has a very admirable strength around those areas.

GIJ2012: Looking ahead, you are obviously targeting areas that you want to improve when you get into office. The last time I heard you talking about the school's website and other important projects for the institute. What are your priority areas when you are voted into office?

BRY: Indeed! The reason why we are interested in taking the position of leadership is because we share a collective passion; a passion that seeks to ameliorate the situation that we have on this campus. The passion that seeks to inspire students to greater heights. 


The challenges that we have here are too well known. The cast of the issue is how we can idea solutions to the mile of problems that confront our students. I think one of the most important issues that will engage our attention if we are privilege to have consent and support of students in this school is the issue of the radio. 


You know we are all communications student and you will realise that our curriculum is so broad that it encapsulates issues that have to do with journalism and mainstream public relations. You are trained to be a journalist and by your second or third year if you don't know what it means to deal with the console, you don't know how to speak into the mic, I don't think that is a very impressive situation. 


So I think that one of the most important issues we intend to pursue in the immediate after-mouth that if we are lucky to be given the nod, is to pursue rigorously the issue of the radio station. I'm told the equipments have been procured but we need to take steps to as a matter of urgency see to the installation of those equipments. 


The last part of 'The Interview with Mr Yeldidong will be released early next week.

PRESS RELEASE: FINANCIAL SECRETARY ASPIRANT ISAAC KOFI BATINI

Financial Secretary aspirant Isaac Kofi Batini has released a press statement and your most reliable and comprehensive election news source presents to you an unedited release from Mr. Batini. 

Isaac Kofi Batini is tipped to win the SRC Financial Secretary
position in the May elections.

Fellow colleagues, Alumni and friends, the time has come for the Gbadago-led administration to exit the scene for a new SRC administration.

As such, yours truly, Isaac Kofi Batini, a third year Bachelor of Arts student of the Institute, would like to officially inform you of my intention to offer my services to students in the high office of the Financial Secretary of the SRC. Having played an active part in past and present SRCs in various portfolios, I am of the highest conviction that I am highly qualified to assume the responsibilities of the Financial Secretary of the SRC.

The office of the Financial Secretary of the SRC was established under Article 7, Clause 7 of the GIJ-SRC Constitution. By the provisions of this article, the Financial Secretary is supposed to keep and maintain accurate records of all financial transactions of the SRC; present financial statements to GA for approval before the execution of any plan or action needing finance; prepare and present periodic statements on the income and expenditure of the SRC at least twice every semester; together with President and General Secretary, be signatory to the SRC financial accounts; shall be treasurer to the SRC Week celebrations and perform any other functions not inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution.

Promoting TRANSPARENCY, INNOVATION and ACCOUNTABILITY in the finances of the SRC are very keen on my agenda. Among others,
• I believe strongly that the time has come for GIJ-SRC to also boast of assets. As such, I want to make sure the SRC acquires sets of canopies and plastic chairs which the SRC would be renting out for funds to support student activities. Also, this will cut down on the cost involved in organizing student programmes on campus.

• The Audit Committee will be strengthened to carry out its duties without fear or favor. Any student leader (hall executive, club executive, GA members and executive committee members) found to be involved in financial misappropriation would be accordingly dealt with. This, I believe will make student leaders more accountable to the electorates.

I therefore call for your support and vote in the upcoming election.
Your questions, clarifications and concerns are all welcome.

Thank you all.

In service,
ISAAC KOFI BATINI
(ASPIRANT, FINANCIAL SECRETARY)

GYAN APPEARS BEFORE VC, BLASTS WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR

Gyan speaks at the public vetting

By: Akyereko Frimpong Manson

External Affairs Commissioner hopeful Enock Gyan appeared before the Vetting Committee on Monday afternoon to answer questions from the Committee members, blasting the Institute's website administrators. 

It was an open vetting and open to all members of the student population however, no student turned up to witness the proceedings.

Mr Gyan, 22, described the handling of the Website as unfortunate promising he would do everything within his means to ensure the website becomes active. 

"It is quite unfortunate that when you visit the school's website you find internet images of foreign students and facilities which does not augur well for the branding of the institute." He told the VC

"Meanwhile there is a web administrator who is being paid." He added. 

The Institute's website has never been active and the incoming SRC Executive must ensure it runs. Presidential hopeful Bayor Yeldidong has also promised to ensure it works. 

The five-member VC chaired by Eric Agyemang quizzed the eloquent L300 student and appeared very satisfactory after the process. 

Organising Secretary candidate Atawura Philip also made an appearance before the Committee early Monday morning. 

The soft-spoken and affable L300 student spent the least amount of time with the Committee.  

The EC is expected to officially endorse all aspirants and subsequently open the way for aspirants to officially campaign.

FIVE ASPIRANTS VETTED, TWO LEFT TO GO

Winner of our Presidential Poll, Raymond Bayor,
appeared before the Vetting Committee on Friday.

The Electoral Commission vetted five out of the seven aspirants who are vying for various SRC positions on Friday.

The VC held an open vetting at the seminar room.

Sole-runners Bayor Yeldidong Raymond, Godfred Tawiah Gogo and Isaac Kofi Batini all appeared before the Vetting Committee on Friday afternoon.

Gifty Amevor and Freda Dedzie who have squared up to in the contest for Women's Commissioner position were also vetted by the committee.

Uncontested Presidential hopeful Bayor appeared composed and collected during the Vetting Committee's questioning and deliberations.

Gogo on the other hand kept his composure and the committee appeared satisfactory with the former Speaker of GA.

Gogo is the only contender for the SRC General Secretary position.

Ms Freda Dedzie who picked up nomination forms at the eleventh hour appeared in order.

The Vetting Committee is expected to continue its sitting on Monday with Atawura Philip and Gyan Enock are expected to appear.

Gyan Enock who was expected to be vetted last was told to appear before the committee on Monday.

It is widely expected that all aspirants will be declared legible to contest for their various office though an objection was brought up against Isaac Kofi Batini.

The Financial Secretary hopeful was accused of campaigning before the EC paved the way for aspirants to do so.

However, Mr Batini denied the allegation and told the committee he just declared his intentions.

If an aspirant is disqualified after the Vetting Committee releases its report, nominations shall be reopened for fresh applications.

Your reference point to the May elections, gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com, will keep you posted with the latest election news.

Our reporter Lemuel Nortey Michael confronts Presidential candidate Bayor Yeldidong with all the incisive questions that you would ask early next week.

MORE ASPIRANTS PICK NOMINATION FORMS, EC EXTENDS DATE

Enock Gyan also known as Kofi Ubuntu, is expected to
run uncontested for the External Affairs Commissioner post

Four more aspirants picked nomination forms on Monday to contest for various positions in the upcoming May SRC elections while the Electoral Commission has extended the date of picking of nominations. 

Miss Gifty Amevor became the first aspirant to pick nomination forms on Monday morning after declaring her intentions to contest for the position of Women's Commission on last Friday. 

The happy-looking Diploma 1 student told our reporter Michael Lemuel she has what it takes to change perceptions about the position. 

The SRC Women's Commissioner position has attracted little attention as it remained unclear if any lady was aspiring for the office. 

Philip Atawura who many believed would have vied for the SRC Presidency followed suit to pick forms to contest for the Organising Secretary position. 

However, before him, former Speaker of General Assembly Godfred Tawiah Gogo had stormed the SRC office with his supporters to pick his forms. 

Enock Gyan the vocalist, quietly picked his forms just after Atawura had done same in similar fashion.  

Gifty Amevor has filed to contest for the
Women's Commissioner position.

He contests for the position of External Affairs Commissioner. 

Mr Gyan is expected to run unchallenged same as the other position though there are rumours that a Diploma 1 student could make a last minute attempt to challenge Godfred Tawiah Gogo for the slot.

Our enquiries have shown that the Electoral Commission has been forced to extend the date for picking of forms due to lack of interest in the Financial Secretary position. 

But EC Chair David Banamini denied in an interview with our reporter Lemuel that the extension was not entirely due to the lack of interest in the position. 

"You know the general perception around is that people normally are reluctant in turning up for things like these so we want to extend the date." He said. 

"The fact that no one has picked forms to contest for the Financial Secretary position is also one of the reasons why we are extending but not entirely." He added. 

Mr Banamini pledged that his office will seek to correct mistakes that occurred in last year's elections and present a more credible register. 

"We will notify the general student body of the voters register at the right time. We will encourage every student to check up his/her name in the register to ensure their names are in the list because anybody whose name does not appear in the register would not be able to cast his/her vote."

After filing of nominations next week, the Commission is expected to conduct an open vetting of all the aspirants on campus before a voting date is announced.

Meanwhile, the EC is encouraging students to present their objections and petition against any of the aspirants before Monday.

IS MISS COMMUNICATOR PAGEANT STILL RELEVANT?

Ahead of May's SRC Elections, Ketenews' Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong asks if the Miss Communicator pageant is still relevant. Maybe the incoming SRC Executive would erase the item from the year's calender. 

“I am going to put up programmes, quizzes, talent shows and variety entertainment: My programmes; my programmes are going to be a hit!” 

These were the words of Anna Maria Nyame, the current Miss Communicator, when asked (i.e. after she was crowned) what she would do and be remembered for after her tenure as Miss Communicator. Her promises and assurances raised the hope of many for a better socially active academic year in the affairs of students on campus. 

However, barely a few days to the end of her reign, can you really say any of the above promises has been achieved? While some students contend they are yet to see the impact those promises have made in their lives, others say they don’t even know her at all.

So we ask: Why was Miss Communicator even instituted? What really comes out of it (thus its essence)? Is it still relevant in the lives of students? At least, last year we witnessed a breast and cervical cancer screening, radio talk shows among other programmes organised by the then Miss Communicator, Stephanie Adenyo. 

So what happened to the course the current Miss Communicator was supposed to have championed? What about the Talent shows, seminars and variety games she promised? Or probably she has not received the needed collaboration and support from the Students Representative Council (SRC)?

Perhaps, you might think she is not yet out of office to assess what she has done so far and that, it will be fair enough to wait till the end of her tenure. Well, you may have a point, but then, on this same issue, our Ashanti folks wouldn’t hesitate to say, “Agoro b3so aeferi anorpa”.

There’ve been a number of cases where Miss Communicators were called upon during major programmes on campus to give vote of thanks. The disappointing thing was that, we were on some occasions even tempted to believe that rendering Vote of thanks was part of the functions of a Miss Communicator. 

Could it be that the roles of a Miss Communicator are not clearly defined? As concerned students, we believe the role of a Miss Communicator surpasses just the rendering of vote of thanks. We hope to see a time where Miss Communicator would take its proper place in student affairs. 

A time when they would be called upon during functions on Campus, on TV/Radio and other gatherings, not to only render vote of thanks, but as resource persons. 

We again look forward to a period when ladies wouldn’t go in for Miss Communicator just because of physical beauty, being bold and confident (As said by a number of contestants at the recent and previous auditioning). Future contestants should consider what they can really do with the given time and resources to assist students on campus and society as a whole.

To the current contestants, the message from us is very short: “Drink deep or taste not”. You’ve taken a bold step and must be prepared to live up to the task. As you think about the privileges attached, so must you also think about IMPACTING the lives of students positively. 

Organizers of this pageant should also clearly define the roles for Miss Communicator Contestants (i.e. if it has not been already done).

The grooming process should continue devoid of any discrimination and favouritism; according all contestants the due support and respect they need and deserve. The grooming should also put the contestants on a higher footage to make it easier for them to raise funds and accomplish their projects effectively.

  Our wish is for the best to win.

By OBJ & JOB

Level 200

 Ketekenews.blogspot.com

GOGO PICKS NOMINATION FORMS, PROMISES FIRMNESS

Gogo, right, congratulated by EC chair David Banamini

Godfred Tawiah Gogo became the first to pick nomination forms on Monday morning at the SRC office to contest for the post of General Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. 

Gogo, who resigned as Speaker of General Assembly earlier this month, was accompanied by friends and colleagues from campus. 

He is counting on the experience gleaned during his tenure as Speaker to succeed if voted into office in the May elections.

"I sit back seeing myself as having done a very good job. The office of the General Secretary is the coordinating office of the SRC. Policies are initiated by the SRC and as General Secretary, I see to it that it is well coordinated." He told Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com

As at 14:00 GMT, no aspirant had filed to contest Mr Gogo for the position of SRC General Secretary and he is expected to run uncontested as picking of nomination forms ends at 17:00 GMT on Monday.

Mr Gogo denied allegations that he has publicly campaigned for sole presidential aspirant Raymond Yeldidong Bayor. However, he maintained that he can vouch for his capabilities and credibility. 

Gogo signs nomination forms

"I have a campaign to prosecute myself so I don't see myself going outside to campaign for somebody else who is contesting for another position. I believe in the capacity and capabilities of Raymond Bayor and I believe in him. 

People who have approached me and asked about Raymond Bayor I tell them he is a good leader and they can count on him." He added.

He becomes the third aspirant to pick nominations after Yeldidong Bayor and Gifty Amevor picked nomination forms to contest for SRC the presidency and Women's Commissioner last Friday. 

BAYOR PICKS UP NOMINATION FORMS

By: Sandra Dufie Manu

Yeldidong Bayor, right, with running mate Wisdom Agodja
picked nomination forms on Friday evening. Photograph by
Joscelyne Ahable

 Raymond Yeldidong Bayor, aspiring SRC President, on Friday picked up his nomination form to officially step into the race to contest for the SRC Presidency, assuring he would address the numerous challenges of the Institute.

Bayor, who could go unchallenged and is widely tipped to win the May SRC elections, declared the contest as a cakewalk should any aspirant step into the race at the eleventh hour.

The affable gentleman becomes the first aspirant to pick nomination forms five days after it was opened.

He presented a cheque worth GH¢250 to EC chair David Banamini.

Speaking at the SRC Office where he was accompanied by his running mate, Wisdom Agodja, and other leading members of his campaign team, the confident-looking Bayor believes his great vision for the Institute will earn him the mandate of the students.

He also lamented the numerous issues that face students of the Institute and promised to fix them when voted into office.

"We have so many issues that we have to address in this school, we have a number of problems. We need to examine our Exam Time Table, we need to examine our membership at council meeting, we have only one slot and ideally would need three I don't think that is fair." He told our reporter Sandra Dufie Manu.

Yeldidong signing his nominations

The outspoken L300 student stressed that student leadership must take a new trend with people of delivering coming into the fray.

"We are more than a thousand, so there should be a fair representation at the council level so they can fairly deal with problems of students. It's not fair to sandwich the SRC President in leaders who are not capable, but people who are knowledgeable and they can equally work together and even more knowledgeable than the SRC President." He added.

It is yet to be known if any aspirant will come into the fray to contest for the slot.

However, it is expected that Bayor will enjoy a landslide victory come May.

Other aspirants are expected to whisk away nomination forms on Monday morning.

Godfred Tawiah Gogo, aspirant for the General Secretary slot, will pick nomination forms on Monday alongside Isaac Kofi Batini and Enock Gyan all of L300.

 Isaac Kofi Batini is eyeing the SRC Financial Secretary slot while the vocal Enock Gyan will contest for External Affairs Commissioner.

Nominations will close next week.

BREAKING NEWS: BAYOR RESIGNS AS CHIEF JUSTICE

By: Akyereko Frimpong Manson

GIJ Chief Justice Raymond Yieldidong Bayor has officially resigned from his position, gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com can authoritatively confirm. 

We broke the news about the outspoken CJ's imminent resignation from the position to contest for the SRC presidency slot on Tuesday.

Yieldidong, middle, granting an interview to TV Africa

Mr Bayor tended in his resignation letter on Wednesday morning to the SRC President Francis Gbadago, who appointed him to the office at the beginning of the 2011/12 academic year.

The president accepted the resignation letter and is expected to appoint a new Chief Justice within seven days.

Bayor, L300 student, must pick nomination forms before Friday to be able to vie for the position.

However, there is a stalemate on nomination fees for the Presidency as G.A have asked the EC to review their amount of GH¢ 400 downwards.

Bayor remains the only visible candidate for the SRC President position and is likely go uncontested or enjoy a landslide victory in May if a candidate pops up at the eleventh hour.

He performed his last constitutional duties on Monday when he swore the new Speaker of G.A and his deputy into office at the G.A emergency session.

Godfred Tawiah Gogo resigned as Speaker of General Assembly on Monday to contest for the SRC General Secretary position.

G.A REJECTS ELECTORAL COMMISSION BUDGET

G.A rejected Banamini's outfit's Budget 

The G.A of the SRC on Monday unanimously rejected the Electoral Commission's budget, http://gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com can announce.

The budget, which was presented by the Commissioner, Mr. David Banamini, was highly critiqued and subsequently found inadequate by the honourable members of the House.

The Commission has been mandated to present to the House, a detailed document that adequately represents their projected expenditure.

The Commission also had their nomination fees harshly criticised by the House.

Taking exception to the presidential slot which was set at GH¢ 400.00, the members and observers alike strongly opposed it.

A vote by the House dramatically reduced the rate the EC was demanding to GH¢250.00.

However, nomination fees for the positions of External Affairs, Organising Secretary, General Secretary, Financial Secretary and Women's Commissioner were not challenged by the House.

Nomination fees for these positions are set at GH¢ 150.00

Nominations are expected to close on Friday, five days after it was opened on Monday.

However, if aspirants fail to apply for any of the positions, nominations are expected to be reopened.

In last year's election, nominations were reopened after no aspirant expressed interest in the Women's Commissioner position.

CHIEF JUSTICE TO RESIGN ON WEDNESDAY

Raymond Bayor is Chief Justice of the SRC

GIJ Chief Justice Raymond Bayor Yieldidong will resign on Wednesday,to contest for the position of SRC president gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com can authoritatively confirm.

Raymond Bayor is expected to turn in his resignation letter to the SRC President, Francis Gbadago on Wednesday morning.

Bayor, in his late twenties,was appointed Chief Justice of the SRC by the President when he assumed office at the beginning of the 2011/2012 academic year.

The undissembling L300 student's soaring popularity on campus could help him to a landslide victory in the election.

He performed his last judicial duties on Monday when he swore in the new Speaker of G.A, Noel Nutsugah, and his deputy into office at an emergency session at the Chamber.

Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com sighted a copy of Mr Bayor's resignation letter on Monday and can reliably confirm that he is resigning from the position to contest for the SRC presidency slot in the upcoming May elections.

The SRC President is thus expected to appoint a new Chief Justice within seven days after he accepts Mr.Bayor`s resignation.

Meanwhile, gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com is not privy to any information as to who the SRC president  will elect to act as Chief Justice for the time being.

According to information reaching us, Enoch Gyan and Kofi Batini, both in L300, will pick up nomination forms to contest for External Affairs Commissioner and Financial Secretary positions  respectively.

                      

NEW SPEAKER NUTSUGAH SWORN IN

A.G Bayor swearing in Hon. Nutsugah

Hon. Noel Nutsugah has been sworn in as a new Speaker of General Assembly, gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com can confirm.

The outspoken former Sports Commissioner was taken through the required process by Attorney General Raymond Bayor and sworn an oath of office.

Hon. Godfred Tawiah Gogo who resigned from the position in furtherance of his political ambition vacated the seat and for Hon. Nutsugah to take up the seat.

Hon. Steve Salifu was appointed deputy Speaker of the house.

G.A ON EMERGENCY SESSION, EC BUDGET TOP ON THE AGENDA

G.A meeting under session

First emergency sitting of the General Assembly is currently underway at the chamber.

On top of the agenda for the discussion is the EC's budget for the upcoming SRC May elections.

Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com have again cited a copy of the budget as presented by the Electoral Commissioner David Banamini.

The Speaker's eminent resignation and information on the incoming Speaker will also come under discussion.

Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com broke the news on the resignation of Godfred Tawiah Gogo during the weekend.

However, the nonsubjective L300 student of the Institute is chairing proceeding on technical grounds.

Below is a copy of the budget as presented to the General Assembly by the Electoral Commissioner.

The EC's Budget as presented by the chair.

SPEAKER OF G.A SET TO RESIGN

Godfred Tawiah Gogo will resign as G.A
Speaker on Monday. Picture: by Joscelyne Ahiable

Speaker of Ghana Institute of Journalism's General Assembly Godfred Tawiah Gogo will resign on Monday, Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com can reveal.

The nonsubjective L300 regular student is expected to present his resignation letter to Francis Gbadago, SRC President early Monday morning.

Gogo, in his late 20s, was appointed speaker of G.A by the SRC President when he assumed office at the beginning of the 2011/12 academy year.

Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com sighted a copy of the resignation letter on Friday and can confidently reveal Mr Gogo is stepping down to contest for the SRC General Secretary position.

The SRC President is expected to accept his resignation and appoint a new speaker within seven days, we have also learnt.

However, deputy speaker of the house Samuel Creppy is expected to act as main speaker until a new speaker is installed.

But  Gijelection2012coverage.blogspot.com have gathered that Mr Creppy tended in his resignation letter to the SRC President late on Friday and will not assume the position of acting speaker.

Reports says Creppy is uncomfortable working with the incoming Speaker of G.A Noel Nutsugah due to a fracas in the past.

But sources close to us indicate Sports Commissioner Noel Nutsugah is close to being named new speaker of the house.

With nominations set to open next week, aspirants are readying themselves to pick nomination forms.

We have also picked up information that Chief Justice Raymond Bayor Yieldidong will resign from his post to contest for the SRC President position next week.

Bayor, an admirable figure on campus is likely to enjoy a landslide victory in the May Elections.

Enock Gyan and Isaac Kofi Batini both in L300 are expected to pick nomination forms to contest for the External Affairs Commissioner post and Financial Secretary respectively.

The soft-spoken Philip Atawura may vie for the Organiser slot.

PRESIDENT RENOMINATES ANKAH

SRC President F. Gbadago, right with  former Minister of Education,
B. M. Iddrissu, has renominated Mr. Ankah for the office of Dep. EC

The president of the GIJ SRC, Mr. Francis Gbadago, has renominated Mr. Ankah Everistus Selorm for the office of Deputy Electoral Commissioner.

The president made the nomination on Thursday during the fourth ordinary session of the G.A.

Mr. Ankah is expected to appear before the Vetting Committee early next week.

The Committee hopes that Mr. Ankah, who failed to appear before them last time, will honour his appointment with them this time around.

Filing of nominations will open next week. The G.A will meet Monday to deliberate on the EC's budget and decide on how much the nomination forms should cost.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY REJECTS EC DEPUTY NOMINATION, APPROVES CHAIR

Selorm E Ankah's nomination was rejected by GA

The General Assembly of the Ghana Institute of Journalism approved Electoral commissioner designate, David Banamini, on Thursday but rejected the nomination of his deputy, Selorm E. Ankah.

The Assembly was satisfied with the Vetting Committee's report and overwhelmingly endorsed David Banamini who, per the constitution of the Institute, was nominated by the SRC President, Francis Badago.

Selorm Ankah, who was also nominated by the SRC head, failed to make himself available for vetting.

GA reached a decision to reject his nomination.

However, Speaker of the House, Godfred Tawiah Gogo, stated clearly that Mr Selorm can be renominated by the SRC President.

"I must say that though his nomination has been rejected by the house, the President has the right to renominate him for the position."

Hon. Bawiah Charles, secretary to the Committee, told the Assembly it did everything within it's mandate to get Mr Ankah for vetting but the L400 weekend student failed to turn up.

"We tried him on his phone on the day of the interview but we never got through to him. Before that he was dully notified. We fixed another date with him and he failed to turn up again." He told the Assembly.

The Speaker is expected to communicate the House's decision to SRC President on Monday.

Live Updates from General Assembly Sitting

The high table waits!

Welcome to the Blog's live texts and updates from GA Sitting from the Institute's campus.










Currently proceedings have delayed due to late arrival of members of the Assembly.

Empty chairs at GA