In what many consider an appalling and unjust move, Elijah Dery, a strong contender for the 2025 KNUST SRC presidential election, has been unfairly disqualified from the race under deeply questionable circumstances. His disqualification raises serious concerns not only about the transparency of the election process but also about the protection of student rights and data privacy at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

A Candidate Denied a Fair Chance

Elijah Dery, in a heartfelt letter dated 25th July 2025, addressed the student body to express his pain and disappointment at being forced to step aside without any proper investigation or due process. He states that he was disqualified based on alleged academic issues that were neither communicated clearly nor substantiated with official evidence. Dery notes that his results were mysteriously released just 24 hours before nomination filing—an unusually convenient timing that suggests foul play.

He further highlights that he was denied access to his own academic records (mid-semester and end-of-semester marks), despite making several official requests. Such denial violates his right to transparency and fair representation, particularly when these records were later used against him without his consent or awareness.

A Grave Breach of Personal Data Privacy

In a post shared by Joseph Acheampong, a prominent voice among students, four key allegations were raised:
1. Unauthorized circulation of Elijah Dery’s academic records from an unknown source.
2. Illegal breach of personal academic data—a clear violation of the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).
3. Denial of rightful access to his own academic results, which forms the foundation of his eligibility.
4. Suspicious timing of the release of results, just a day before nomination, creating room for manipulation and undermining electoral integrity.

These events go beyond student politics—they strike at the very core of justice, fairness, and the university’s responsibility to protect student rights.

A System Failing Its Own

KNUST is a prestigious institution, expected to uphold the highest standards of fairness, ethics, and due process. Yet in this case, a student’s academic and democratic rights appear to have been violated without remorse or accountability. Disqualifying a candidate of Elijah Dery’s stature without affording him a fair hearing or access to the facts is a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy within student governance.

The Call for Action

We demand that the Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA), the Electoral Commission, and the relevant authorities at KNUST take immediate action to:
1. Reinstate Elijah Dery’s candidacy or halt the election process until a fair review is conducted.
2. Investigate the source of the unauthorized academic records and hold those responsible accountable for the breach.
3. Ensure that all students have timely and secure access to their academic records, especially in contexts affecting eligibility.
4. Uphold the Data Protection Act and protect the privacy and dignity of all students.

Justice Must Prevail

This is not just about one student. It is about all students. It is about building an institution where fairness triumphs over politics and where no one is silenced through manipulation or secrecy. Elijah Dery deserves justice. The student body deserves transparency. And KNUST must do better.

We stand with Elijah Dery. We demand justice. And we will not be silent.

#JusticeForElijahDery
#ProtectStudentRights
#FairSRCelectionsKNUST
#NoToDataBreach
#TransparencyNow




If you are a student, alumnus, or concerned citizen, raise your voice. Share this message. Demand accountability. Let’s make sure KNUST upholds the values it teaches.