Matilda Dibloni Kokar, the immediate past Local NUGS President of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has been elected the 24th President of the University Students’ Association of Ghana (USAG).

Kokar secured 411 of the 482 valid votes cast, representing more than 85 per cent, to defeat her sole opponent, Albert Yalley, who received 71 votes.

The election was held on Sunday, 4 October 2026, at the Islamic University as part of the 24th USAG Congress, which ran from 2 to 4 October.

Her election comes barely two weeks after she handed over as Local NUGS-KNUST President at a joint ceremony held at KNUST on 19 September 2026. KNUST records confirm that Kokar presented her outgoing administration's report before handing over to her successor, Judith Amponsah Ayim.

Kokar, who studied Political Studies at KNUST, served as the 44th Local NUGS-KNUST President before contesting for the national position.

Her campaign centred on the theme “The Revival: A Clarion Call,” with a focus on rebuilding USAG and restoring its role as a strong voice for university students. Following her victory, Kokar said the election represented a choice of “service over self” and that the work of renewing the association had begun.

The election is particularly significant as it marks the return of USAG's national leadership after about 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 organise its 24th Congress.

The congress was held under the theme, “From Dormancy to Impact: Reviving USAG for a Stronger Student Voice.”

USAG serves as an umbrella body for students in public and private universities across Ghana, with more than 45 institutions represented.