The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to establish voter transfer centres on university campuses across the country.

This appeal is intended to assist students who are registered voters but unable to cast their ballots in their home constituencies due to academic commitments.

Representing over 12.5 million students from basic to postgraduate levels, both locally and internationally, NUGS is the official voice for Ghanaian students.

The organisation is structured into six blocks and is dedicated to advocating for the welfare and interests of students.

NUGS actively collaborates with stakeholders to promote quality and accessible education for all Ghanaians, regardless of ethnic, social, or religious backgrounds.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 5, NUGS explained that many students are currently studying far from their registered voting locations.

The statement pointed out that a significant number of students are in the midst of mid-semester exams, while final-year students are deeply involved in research for their final projects. Given the country’s economic challenges, the financial burden of travelling back to their registered voting areas is a major concern.

NUGS highlighted the importance of ensuring that students can exercise their constitutional right to vote as outlined in Article 42 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, which states, "Every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years or above who is of sound mind has the right to vote."

According to Article 43 of the Constitution, “A person shall be registered as a voter if they are a citizen of Ghana and are of eighteen years or above.” NUGS called on the EC to facilitate the transfer of votes for students in line with constitutional requirements. Article 45 stipulates that “A voter shall vote at the polling station where they are registered,” while Article 46 mandates that “The Electoral Commission shall make regulations for the transfer of votes.”

NUGS emphasised that enabling vote transfers would prevent the disenfranchisement of students, ensuring their full participation in the democratic process in December.