A Legacy of Leadership, A Future of Impact
The Ghana Engineering Students’ Association (GESA), the heartbeat of student governance in the College, has long been a fertile ground for producing exceptional student leaders. The GESA elections are more than a democratic process, they are a tradition, a proving ground, and a launchpad for young minds destined for greatness.
A Brief History: GESA and Its Leaders
Over the past five years, GESA has produced leaders who now stand tall in various industries and institutions around the globe. There’s something about GESA; its pressure, its discipline, its demand for critical thinking, that shapes student leaders into national assets.
Nigel Twi-Yeboah (President 2020/2021): Now a Project Manager at NextEra Energy Resources, Florida, USA.
Maxwell Wonkyi (President 2021/2022): Pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Calgary, Canada.
Kofi Asante Djabatey (President 2022/2023): Formerly with Puma Energy, currently working at Coca-Cola in Ghana.
Reuben Pra Obeng (President 2023/2024): Currently doing his national service at the National Petroleum Authority.
George Nana Adu Darko (President 2024/2025): Current GESA President, in his final year studying Chemical Engineering.
Stephen Owusu (2025/2026): President-elect, a 3rd-year Electrical Engineering student.
Year after year, the story remains consistent. GESA leaders go on to do remarkable things. It’s no exaggeration to say that student leaders from this college are among the finest the university produces. And it all begins right here, with an election.
The Most Talked-About Election on Campus
GESA elections aren’t just any elections, they’re the most anticipated and competitive across KNUST. With engineering students known for their sharp thinking and critical analysis, every vote is earned, not given. The contests are tough, the debates intense, and the standards high.
Campaigns aren’t all posters and slogans, they involve direct engagement. Aspirants visit the traditional halls, hostels, and lecture halls. They present policies, launch initiatives, and rally classmates. Many students vote not based on popularity, but on ideas and track records. It’s an exercise in real, issue-based politics.
GESA Elections 2025: The Shocks, The Surprises, The Story
This year’s election season began with a crowded field, 7 presidential hopefuls, including the then-General Secretary, Nisy Acheampong (a female contender), along with 3 for Financial Secretary, 2 for General Secretary, 1 for Organizing Secretary, and 3 for Women’s Commissioner.
But when nominations opened, only three candidates filed for president. The real twist came when Stephen Owusu, who had joined the race just 22 days to the election, picked one of the Financial Secretary aspirants, Oheneba Kwaku Owusu, as his running mate. The decision shocked everyone.
Vetting & Debates
The vetting on 15th June 2025 was energetic and impressive. Aspirants then read their manifestos live on Focus FM, engaging the student body with their visions. The final pre-election event, the Presidential Debate, saw only Stephen Owusu appear. Rumors swirled that his dominance in previous debates discouraged the other contenders from showing up.
Election Day: June 20, 2025
Polls opened at 9:00 AM and closed at 4:00 PM. Aspirants spent the day moving through lecture halls and common areas, urging students to cast their votes. It was an emotional day, some smiled in victory, others were heavy with defeat.
By 4:30 PM, results were declared:
President & Vice President: Stephen Owusu & Oheneba Kwaku Owusu
General Secretary: Christabel Ayiku
Financial Secretary: Emmanuel Dankwah
Organizing Secretary: Marvin Adu Acheampong
Women’s Commissioner: Tracy Coleman
Why It All Matters
Elections like these aren’t just about student politics, they’re about nation-building. Student leadership in this college especially, offers young engineers a platform to think critically, solve problems, and serve others with skills essential to building Ghana’s future.
Engineers are the world’s problem solvers. Grooming them early in leadership through platforms like GESA prepares them not just for the workplace, but for national transformation.
As GESA ushers in a new set of leaders, one thing is certain: the legacy continues, and the future is bright.
