UNIVERSITY OF GHANA's SRC FUN TRIP FIASCO: A MISLEADING EVENT SPARKS OUTRAGE AMONG STUDENTS

The University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC) recently found itself in hot water after organizing a much-anticipated fun trip to Borteyman Sports Complex, which unexpectedly incorporated a church activity, leaving many students disgruntled and feeling deceived.

University of Ghana Entrance

The event, dubbed "Funtrip to Borteyman Sports Complex," promised free transport and food, along with activities such as tours, a photo booth, music, talent displays, and a symposium on leadership. However, the reality of the situation was vastly different. Upon arriving at the venue, students discovered that the trip was integrated with a church event. This revelation sparked an immediate backlash, with students—Christians included—voicing their dissatisfaction.

Fun trip to Borteyman flyer by UGSRC

The frustration among students was palpable as many refused to alight from the buses upon realizing the true nature of the event. They pleaded with the bus drivers to return them to their hostels, but their requests were denied. Consequently, some students had to charter rides back to campus at their own expense.

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with numerous students and users expressing their anger and disappointment. A popular media handle, Voice of Legon, highlighted the issue, stating:

"Conveying University of Ghana students to a church event under the disguise of a 'fun trip' is highly disrespectful to the students we aim to serve."

One user humorously commented on the situation:

"😂 This be funny pass

Ma guy bi say he then ein girl dey go chill come sanna ebe fasting then prayers 😂💔😹"

😂 This be funny pass
Ma guy bi say he then ein girl dey go chill come sanna ebe fasting then prayers😂💔😹
— QWADWO SCOTT (@Traviscott5511) June 1, 2024

Another, evidently a victim, lamented:

"They wanted us to sit by force and take part of the church programme they had. The most annoying aspect is that there was no sign of church activity on it. The tickets and every letter we had from the SRC signed by the SRC president #Tsikata spoke about fun."

They wanted us to sit by force and take part of the church programme they had. The most annoying aspect is that there was no sign of church actity on it. The tickets and every letter we had from the SRC signed by the SRC president #Tsikata spoke about fun.
— Peter Padi (@PeterPadi3) June 1, 2024

A video circulated showing students in a bus repeatedly asking, "Why did you lie?"—a clear indication of their feelings of betrayal.

The students vex 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/BQCPfBQXn7
— bilson (@sotwoumDbee) June 1, 2024

The incident affected students of various religious backgrounds, including a Muslim student who expressed his dissatisfaction, noting that he had no idea he was being taken to a church service.

The University of Ghana SRC Response and Apology To The Situation

In the face of the mounting backlash, the UGSRC issued an apology via a communiqué posted by Voice of Legon. The SRC took full responsibility for the unintended incorporation of religious content in the event. They explained that the symposium on leadership had three speakers, one of whom was a pastor. The SRC did not anticipate that the pastor would bring his team to the event and incorporate religious elements into their presentation. The SRC emphasized their respect for the religious beliefs of all students and assured them that they would not intentionally contravene these beliefs.