In a remarkable display of political engagement, GPSA-KNUST held an unprecedented presidential debate during the second General Meeting. The debate drew a record-breaking turnout, with students flocking to the venue to witness a fierce battle of policies and visions among the three candidates vying for the Association’s top office.
The contenders included Albert Ströefer Kobina Yalley from the Rx 27 class, and former Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Association; Delali Kwablah Agbemaka, from the Rx 26 class, and a second-time presidential candidate who lost narrowly to Master Samuel Kofi Amoah Antwi in the previous election; and Collins Amoah Denkyira, also from the Rx 26 class, a relative newcomer to the Association’s political arena.
As the debate commenced, each candidate passionately defended their platform, aiming to sway the audience and convince undecided voters to support their vision. Yalley, leveraging his experience as a former PRO, presented himself as a reformer who could introduce fresh ideas. Kwablah, undeterred by his previous defeat, returned with a stronger demeanour and a more refined strategy, hoping his perseverance would resonate with voters. Amoah, despite being new to the race, displayed a calm, yet resilient and strategic approach, seeking to win over the electorate with his fresh perspective.
The debate generated much speculation among students, with some arguing that Yalley had an edge due to a potential split within the Rx 26 class, which both Kwablah and Amoah hail from. This division, they believed, could work in Yalley’s favor. Their argument also seemed to be cemented by the fact an online poll conducted on X on 30th May, a day before the debate, showed Yalley leading with 64%, Kwablah trailing with 29% and Amoah also trailing with 6%. Despite this statistics, Kwablah’s supporters argued that his second attempt at the presidency would demonstrate his resilience and ability to learn from past experiences, giving him a potential advantage.
Throughout the discourse, each candidate made compelling arguments, focusing on policies that ranged from enhancing student welfare to improving academic support and professional opportunities. The candidates’ ability to connect their ideas to the pressing needs of the student body likely influenced many swing voters, as the race remains too close to call.
By the end of the debate, many spectators expressed a sense of clarity regarding the election, with the candidates’ policies and arguments offering valuable insights into their potential leadership. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as students left the hall with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the upcoming elections.
This debate marked a high point in the Association’s political history and also demonstrated the power of democracy. As students prepare to cast their votes, the debate served as a vital platform for informed decision-making, ensuring that the future leadership of the GPSA-KNUST will be decided by a well-informed electorate.
The elections are expected to be a tightly contested race, with the student body eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Reported by: Benoni Odame Larbi (Rx 26)