University of Ghana students petition management over rising accommodation fees

Concerned Students of the University of Ghana have petitioned university management over rising accommodation fees, demanding an immediate reversal of the increases and reforms in the administration of campus hostels.

The students are calling for a freeze on all accommodation fee hikes, the abolition of vacation-stay charges for graduate students and full disclosure of the breakdown of residential fees.

They are also demanding an independent investigation into rising education costs and the dissolution of the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL).

The petition follows a demonstration by the group against what they describe as the growing commercialisation of student accommodation and deteriorating living conditions on campus.

Presenting the petition, Convener of the Concerned Students, Kerry Famiyeh, called on management to immediately suspend and reverse the increases, particularly those affecting residential facilities.

The group is further demanding a comprehensive plan to improve existing accommodation facilities without resorting to privatisation.

It wants university management to publish details of the capacity and facilities available in campus hostels, while establishing transparent channels through which students can report alleged abuses of power.

Receiving the petition, Professor Rosina I. Kyerematen assured the students that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate university authorities for consideration.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of UGEL, Yawo Nutifafa Agbesi, says the company remains committed to engaging student leadership to resolve concerns surrounding the proposed accommodation fees.

He explained that UGEL is reviewing the issues raised and will communicate the final accommodation charges after further consultations with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG).

Mr Agbesi also rejected suggestions that the company intends to exploit students, assuring that any refunds resulting from the ongoing consultations would be credited to the accounts of affected students.

The discussions are expected to determine the final accommodation fees amid growing student concerns over the cost and management of residential facilities at the university.