“Even century-old cars still run.” That was the bold response from Guru — the musician and 2024/2025 University of Ghana SRC President — addressing the heated debate surrounding the Miss UG 2025 pageant car controversy.
A viral social media video recently showed the pageant winner claiming her prize vehicle was practically ancient. The rapper, best known for his hit track “Lapaz Toyota,” fired back, dismissing the accusation that the car was nearly 90 years old. His reaction has sparked mixed opinions online — is he being realistic or dismissive?
Guru suggested the winner take a trip to Manhyia Palace, where vintage cars over a century old are still in motion. His point? Age doesn’t always define usefulness. He went on to ask how many cars in Ghana are truly brand-new, emphasizing that the car given out could start and function properly when presented — and that should count for something.
“The car might not be new, but it was drivable. You claim it’s 90 years old, but at Manhyia Palace, cars over 100 years old still move,” he stated in defense of his administration’s integrity during a live video.
The controversy began when Mariam Jasmine Saaka, crowned Miss University of Ghana in August 2025, shared her frustrations online. In her video, she revealed the black Toyota Vitz she received, claiming it was full of defects and far from the ‘brand-new’ prize she was promised.
Jasmine described the vehicle as nearly unmovable. According to her, it broke down soon after she received it and has been left abandoned at the campus parking lot ever since. She even highlighted several interior issues — dangling panels, a broken glove compartment, and missing grab handles — arguing that such faults are unacceptable for a supposedly new car.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Should the SRC be held accountable for false advertising, or was the ‘functional car’ condition fulfilled the moment the vehicle could start? And more importantly, what should “brand-new” really mean in such student competitions?
What do you think — was the pageant queen right to call them out, or was Guru’s defense justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
