Tuesday, 7 June 2016

ELORM MAWULI AND THE GHANA UNION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS (GUPS), CELEBRATED


I’m sure you would have by now, observed that I have put a stop to something that has been quiet characteristic of me. Yes, I have indeed stopped writing “thesis” in honor of individuals and institutions regardless of the occasion. However, I am today compelled by my conscience to make an EXCEPTION because of one man, who stands tall in the comity of men. This man is a gem, a paladin, an embodiment of positivity, an inspiration to the youth of Ghana and a walking exemplification of excellence in the industry of student struggle and activism. I am not sure I can finish extolling his enviable virtues for God and country.
Throughout my donkey years in student activism, I am yet to come across five of his likes. I dare say that, if the Ghanaian student front is blessed with just ten of his likes, then the students of this country would be living a paradise and would have no infinitesimal cause to worry. His meticulous approach to tackling issues affecting his constituents is not only fascinating but also scholarly. This man took over the affairs of GUPS at the time the Union was quite unpopular and tainted with so much petty politicking, vindictiveness and other counterproductive enterprises. He has however been able transform the Union and injected into it, significant vibrancy to the envy of all; making GUPS arguably, the best student union in my candid opinion.
GUPS, under his leadership, is currently leading when it comes to the business of advocacy for the rights and freedoms of students. The Union does not only indulge in media engagements or issuance of press statements on matters of concern, but also proceeds to constructively engage all relevant stakeholders to get the needed results timeously without making undue compromises.
I remember during the utility bills brouhaha, GUPS did not only object to this ungodly move, but also presented a comprehensive policy document to government on how to arrive at a permanent solution to this seemingly intractable impasse which keeps recurring. Of course I know you remember the timely intervention of GUPS in at least two of its constituent institutions, GSSM and UPSA to prevent the so called relocation of the school and restoration of student governance respectively.
The GUPS lecture series is also worth mentioning. What more haven’t you achieved for your constituents? I doff my hat for you Mr. President and the rest of your team. I say, without any shred of doubt that the history of student activism in Ghana over the past decade or so cannot be properly written without the mention of the name, ELORM MAWULI, the 2015/16 GUPS President. I am hopeful that the other student unions would take a cue from your legendary services to the student movement and country.
I also join the rest of the world to celebrate you on the milestone occasion of your birth which was climaxed on April 23. I wish you the very best in life as we all, among other things, continue the struggle for God and country and particularly, for the total liberation of the ordinary students of Ghana. I wish to conclude by assuring all and sundry that my pen would continue to monitor and occupy developments in the student front and my country at large. May almighty Allah continue to bless our homeland Ghana and make her even greater and stronger.
Thank you.             
A concerned Ghanaian in the struggle
IDDI MUHAYU-DEEN
Youth Activist/Social Commentator
Former NUGS Secretary
Convenor, Concerned Students (CONSFON)

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