Fourth-year political science student Obed Okyere is running for president as part of the “Students First” slate.
Okyere said he hopes to unite and inspire students to take action and get involved with their student government.
His platform includes fighting for more affordable education, increased social services for students, improvements to public transportation and a better reputation for Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA).
“It's time we get our budget online, and [that] Carleton gets a business plan,” Okyere said, adding it’s time for improved leadership.
“I think students are very disconnected from student government,” he said. “With a good leader, we can restore that good reputation and let students know what CUSA does for them.”
Citing how much students pay to CUSA each year, Okyere said the executive needs to “listen to students and know what kind of services they need and want.”
Everyone is entitled to an education, Okyere said. “Money should not be the reason someone is unable to complete their education,” he said, adding students should not be saddled with extensive debt following graduation.
“It’s about time we fight for affordable education for students,” he said.
Okyere said he has extensive leadership experience. From acting as president of the Ghanaian Students Association to co-founding the “For Kicks” program with Toronto Police, Okyere said he has actively participating in fundraising and encouraging student involvement.
“The picture I want students to see is that I’m someone who is very easy to approach,” he said. “I’m someone that unites people and helps them work together.”
-Avery Zingel
Click here for information about presidential candidate Dina Skvirsky.