University Of Ghana Students Protest 26% Hostel fee increase, demand UGEL System Scrapping
Story By: Deborah Adorsu
Aggrieved students of the University of Ghana have embarked on a three-day protest against a 26 per cent increase in hostel fees, demanding an immediate reversal of the increment and the abolition of the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL)-managed hostel system.
The demonstration, organised by the Concerned Students of the University of Ghana, started at the Okponglo taxi station near East Legon on Monday, November 9, with protesters marching towards the university’s main entrance.
Speaking in an interview as the protest began, the students accused university management of placing financial considerations above students’ welfare, arguing that the UGEL-managed accommodation arrangement has become increasingly unaffordable and exploitative.
They contend that the latest increment will further worsen the financial difficulties confronting students, some of whom are already struggling to meet the cost of tuition, feeding, transportation and other essential academic expenses.
The protesters warned that the rising accommodation charges could force some students out of school, particularly those who depend on affordable university accommodation to pursue their education.
Their demands include:
- Immediate reversal of the hostel fee increase
- Complete scrapping of the UGEL system
- End to extended-stay charges imposed on graduate students
- Improvement in residential facilities on campus
- End to privatisation / commercialisation of university hostels
Convener of the group, Nasiba Abass, said the protest was intended to draw attention to the effects of commercialisation on student accommodation.
She said the group would present a petition to university authorities and the Ghana Education Service, outlining its grievances and proposed solutions.
The protest went ahead despite appeals by the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) for students to stay away.
The two recognised student bodies described the organising group as unrecognised and unregistered, although they acknowledged students’ concerns about the cost of accommodation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, management said the 26% figure was UGEL’s initial proposal, which was revised after engagements with student representatives to 15% for standard rooms accommodating four students and 19% for rooms shared by two students.
Management also announced that fees for its traditional halls, directly managed by the institution, have increased from GH¢3,000 to GH¢3,500 per academic year.
Management attributed the adjustments to rising utility bills, maintenance expenses and other operational costs, and said it was continuing discussions with the SRC, GRASAG-UG and the UGEL Board to reach a compromise.
The protest comes after the Rent Control Department had earlier directed UGEL and private hostel operators to suspend unassessed rent increases and refund excess payments by November 17, 2026.