Ghana School of Law kicks out SRC president

The president of the Ghana School of Law Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Philemon Laar, has resigned from his position following a directive from the school’s management after he failed to pass one of his papers.

The management, in a letter to Mr Laar, said he could no longer hold himself out as the SRC head, having failed his PLC Part 1 exams.

The letter, signed by the Registrar of the school, Juliet Adu-Adjei, urged the SRC to hold a by-election to replace the president. “Until then management will not be in any position to deal or engage with the SRC with Mr Laar as president,” the letter said.

Resignation

Mr Laar on receipt of the letter resigned in adherence to the management directive, noting that he had been treated unfairly because he had requested for remark and waiting for the outcome. He argued that the decision to resign was occasioned by the apparent deadlock between the SRC and management on whether or not an administrative fiat should be the basis to withdraw recognition for him as a democratically elected executive of the SRC.

“I was unsuccessful in the October 2020 PLC examinations. Like several other students displeased about their results, and convinced that the examination results did not reflect their industry and performance, I applied to have my scripts remarked. Results of the said remarking are yet to be released, based on the above facts, management of the Ghana School of Law communicated their unwillingness to engage with the SRC if I remain President; they have also refused to release any funds to the SRC for the same reason,” his letter noted.

He said he disagrees with the position of management because such action is an affront on the constitution of the SRC and represents undue interference in the affairs of students. According to him, the withdrawal of recognition for him as president and the accompanying actions prejudice the outcome of his application for remarking, which in itself has delayed unduly, contrary to the timelines provided in the students handbook.

Mr Laar, a former SRC president of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), became Ghana School of Law SRC president in June 2020. He said he was elected to serve, but cannot in the circumstances offer leadership that his constituents deserve. He however expressed gratitude to the SRC Executive Council, adding that “we found strength from holding hands.”

“I am confident that the remaining two months left of our tenure would receive great leadership.

“I have discussed and agreed with them, that upon my resignation, Article 20(4) of the SRC Constitution shall be triggered; one of the Vice-Presidents will be selected to replace me,” he added.

Mr Laar has been involved in student activism and mentorship of student leaders across the country.