Students of the University of Media, Arts, and Communication-Institute of Journalism (UNIMAC-IJ) have expressed disappointment after the Interim Financial Secretary of the SRC, Emmanuel Nyarku Quarshie, failed to give clear explanations during his financial briefing.
The online session, held on September 3, was meant to provide accountability for how SRC funds were spent over the semesters.
Instead, Mr. Quarshie read out a prepared expenditure document, answered fewer than five questions, and ended the session abruptly—leaving students unsatisfied and even more concerned about the use of their dues.
Among the most contentious issues are three key expenditures:
1. The Fufu Party (₵2,700)
According to the financial secretary’s report, the SRC spent ₵2,700 on the Fufu Party organised in collaboration with Wavemount. However, executives of Wavemount insist they only received ₵700 from the SRC. The remaining ₵2,000, Mr. Quarshie explained, was used for a DJ and sound system. Students, however, have questioned why no detailed breakdown was provided to show how the amount was distributed.
2. Media Tour (₵6,100)
Another sticking point is the media tour, which cost the SRC ₵6,100. Students argue that the figure is unjustifiable, since the tour reportedly involved only one media house visit, with participants being served only water. Many are demanding a transparent explanation of how such a large sum was accounted for in such a modest engagement.
3. Presidential Initiative (₵7,500)
The report also revealed that ₵7,500 was redirected to the office of the Interim SRC President to support a student-centered initiative. However, the project was never executed, with Mr. Quarshie citing the president’s ill health as the reason. Students now want to know what will happen to the funds, since they remain unaccounted for.
Although the financial secretary insisted that “accountability is a culture, not an event,” students feel his presentation fell short of genuine transparency.
“He simply read figures without addressing the real issues,” one student commented after the briefing.
Another added, “We wanted answers, not just a list of numbers.”
The backlash from the briefing has fueled fresh calls for a second, more interactive session where students’ questions can be directly addressed. Some are also pushing for an independent audit of SRC funds to restore confidence and ensure proper accountability.
As it stands, instead of clearing doubts, the SRC’s financial report has deepened concerns over how students’ monies are managed.
