The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Chapter, has accused the institute’s management of deliberately withholding student funds, describing the move as a calculated attempt to frustrate its programmes and undermine student-led initiatives.

In a statement issued in Accra on Tuesday, the Association said the alleged financial obstruction had crippled several of its flagship events, including the 24-Hour Economy Public Lecture and the Women’s Empowerment Summit, both of which were central to this year’s GRASAG Week celebrations.

“Repeated letters and follow-ups have not yielded any results,” the statement read.

“The timing and persistence of these financial restrictions suggest a calculated effort to sabotage GRASAG–GIMPA’s initiatives and silence critical student-led engagements that promote empowerment and intellectual development.”

The Association revealed that despite the financial constraints, its executives had continued to operate using their own limited resources to sustain core activities and uphold their constitutional responsibilities.

The GRASAG–GIMPA leadership also used the statement to defend its Patron, Prof Wisdom Akpalu, and the Registrar, Dr Victoria Mwinsumah Puoyeng Kunbuor, against what it described as “malicious and fabricated claims” circulated by unnamed individuals seeking to discredit their integrity.

The Association dismissed as false reports suggesting that Dr Puoyeng Kunbuor was a signatory to its bank account, describing such claims as “baseless, inaccurate, and deliberately designed to cause confusion.”

“All financial transactions are carried out in full compliance with banking and institutional regulations,” the statement clarified, alleging that certain individuals within the Institute were attempting to “undermine honest leadership and install a more compromised Patron who would permit the misuse of student funds.”

GRASAG–GIMPA further accused some senior lecturers of lobbying to be appointed as Patron of the Association, a move it described as unethical and detrimental to the independence of student leadership.

The statement praised Prof Akpalu for his “impeccable integrity, competence, and devotion to public service.”

It highlighted several initiatives undertaken under his advisory leadership, including the establishment of the Graduate Studies Endowment Fund in 2021 with a seed capital of GH¢50,000 to support financially challenged students.

It also credited him with facilitating the provision of study rooms furnished with modern facilities and helping to set up a Business Centre that provides subsidised printing and academic services to students.

GRASAG–GIMPA urged GIMPA Management to immediately release all outstanding student funds, including arrears from previous academic years, and to refrain from actions that “stifle academic freedom, student welfare, and progressive leadership.”

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and democratic governance, adding that preparations were underway to hold elections for new executives as the tenure of the current leadership ends in November.

In conclusion, GRASAG–GIMPA expressed solidarity with Prof. Akpalu and Dr Victoria Mwinsumah Puoyeng Kunbuor, apologising to them for the “fabricated allegations” made by what it called a few individuals with vested interests.

“GRASAG–GIMPA remains devoted to truth, transparency, and the continued growth of the GIMPA community,” the statement concluded.