- Valerie Elikem Kportufe wins SRC presidential election with 52.83% of the vote
- Secures victory by a margin of 45 votes after results from two polling centres are collated
- Marks a major milestone for female leadership at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
- Oswald Ini Adom Aba elected as Vice President, while Ernest Teye wins treasurer position
The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has made history with the election of Valerie Elikem Kportufe as the first-ever female President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). Kportufe, a student leader with a proven track record, emerged victorious in the 2026 SRC presidential election, defeating Felix Osei Darko with a narrow margin of 45 votes.
The election results, declared on May 1, 2026, saw Kportufe securing 437 votes (52.83%) to Darko's 392 votes (47.17%). The SRC Electoral Commission hailed the election as a peaceful and successful process, commending students, candidates, and officials for their participation and cooperation.
Key Polling Centres Decide Victory
The election outcome was largely determined by the results from two polling centres: the Law School Foyer and the Main Bar Lawn. At the Law School Foyer, Kportufe polled 323 votes against Darko's 189, while Darko led at the Main Bar Lawn with 203 votes compared to Kportufe's 114. The narrow margin of victory underscores the intense competition for the SRC presidency.
The SRC Electoral Commission's declaration of Kportufe as the winner marks a significant milestone for female leadership at GIMPA. It follows earlier breakthroughs, including the election of Yaa Amoako-Adu as the first female SRC President of the Takoradi Campus in 2023 and Phyllis Marfoa Ayeh as the first female President of the Law Students Association in 2025.
Growing Shift in Student Leadership
The election of Kportufe as SRC President signals a broader shift in student leadership at GIMPA. With more women securing top leadership positions across the institution's campuses and student bodies, this trend suggests a growing recognition of the value of diversity and representation in student governance.
This shift is not limited to GIMPA, as women have made inroads into leadership positions across various institutions of higher learning in Ghana. The increasing participation of women in student leadership reflects a broader societal trend towards greater inclusion and representation.
Call for Unity and Support
In a statement, the SRC Electoral Commission commended students, candidates, and officials for a peaceful election and urged the student body to support the new leadership. As Kportufe assumes her role as SRC President, she faces the challenge of uniting the student body and addressing pressing issues affecting students at GIMPA.
The election of Kportufe as the first-ever female SRC President of GIMPA marks a significant milestone in the institution's history. As she takes on this new role, she will be expected to lead with vision, integrity, and a commitment to serving the interests of all students.
Looking Ahead
As Kportufe begins her tenure as SRC President, she will face numerous challenges, including addressing issues related to academic governance, student welfare, and institutional development. The SRC Electoral Commission's call for unity and support from the student body underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to tackling these challenges.
The election of Kportufe as the first-ever female SRC President of GIMPA marks a significant step towards greater diversity and representation in student leadership. As the institution looks ahead to the future, this milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for women to lead and make a positive impact in their communities.
