The Private Universities Students’ Association of Ghana (PUSAG) has officially refuted what it calls "unfounded and misleading" allegations that it has endorsed the re-election bid of the incumbent President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS).

The association, which represents the largest body of private university students in the country, has declared its commitment to a transparent and fair electoral process, free from external influence.

In a press release on Monday, September 8, PUSAG President Ibrahim Issah addressed the circulating rumours directly.

While the statement acknowledged that PUSAG had previously supported the current NUGS President during his initial bid, the association clarified that this past support should not be misinterpreted as an automatic endorsement for the upcoming elections.

“We wish to state, with utmost clarity, that these allegations are unfounded and misleading,” the release stated. It continued, “While it is true that PUSAG previously supported the incumbent President during his earlier bid, that support was based solely on the vision and policies presented to the student body at that time…it cannot be construed as an automatic endorsement for re-election.”

The statement comes at a crucial time as the NUGS elections, a highly competitive and influential contest, draw near.

Endorsements from major blocs like PUSAG, which represents tens of thousands of students across Ghana’s private tertiary institutions, are seen as significant for any candidate's campaign.

PUSAG reiterated its dedication to democratic principles and outlined its position for the upcoming polls:

1. The Association has not and will not endorse any candidate at this time.
2. All aspirants will be assessed fairly and transparently, with their track records, policy proposals, and vision for the student movement being the sole determinants.
3. PUSAG welcomes all aspirants to engage with its members and present their programs to the private university community.
4. The Association’s ultimate endorsement will be reserved only for a candidate whose ideas, integrity, and record align with the welfare and aspirations of all Ghanaian students, with a special focus on the needs of students in private universities.

The PUSAG President called on the public to disregard all claims of an endorsement.

PUSAG affirmed that its loyalty lies with the students of Ghana and not with any individual aspirant, pledging to uphold constitutional order and protect student democracy.