Matilda Dibloni Kokar, a KNUST alumna whose student leadership journey began at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has been elected the 24th President of the University Students’ Association of Ghana (USAG).
Kokar, who studied Political Studies at KNUST, secured 411 of the 482 valid votes cast, representing more than 85 per cent of the votes, to defeat her sole opponent, Albert Yalley, who received 71 votes. The election took place on Sunday, 4 October 2026, during the 24th USAG Congress at the Islamic University.
Her election marks another step in a student leadership journey that saw her serve as the 44th Local President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) at KNUST. She handed over the leadership of the local union on 19 September 2026, presenting the outgoing administration’s report before transferring responsibility to her successor, Judith Amponsah Ayim.
Taking her leadership experience beyond the University, Kokar contested for the national USAG presidency on the campaign theme, “The Revival: A Clarion Call.” Her campaign focused on rebuilding the association and restoring its position as a strong, unified voice for university students across Ghana.
Following her election, Kokar described the outcome as a choice of “service over self” and indicated that the work of renewing the association had begun.
Her victory comes at a significant moment for USAG, which is emerging from approximately two years of inactivity arising from legal disputes. An out-of-court settlement subsequently paved the way for a roadmap to revive the association and convene its 24th Congress.
Held under the theme, “From Dormancy to Impact: Reviving USAG for a Stronger Student Voice,” the congress marked an important step in efforts to restore the association’s activities and strengthen its representation of students.
USAG serves as an umbrella body for students in public and private universities across Ghana, with more than 45 institutions represented.
For KNUST, Kokar’s election highlights the continued contribution of its alumni to student leadership and national engagement. From serving as Local NUGS-KNUST President to assuming the national USAG presidency, her journey reflects the transition from campus leadership to a broader platform for student representation and service.