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.