The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) and the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) have rejected proposed increases in hostel accommodation fees, insisting that the revised rates remain unaffordable for many students.
The two student leadership bodies said negotiations with the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL) remain inconclusive despite efforts to secure a reduction in the proposed adjustments.
In a joint statement issued to the student body, GRASAG and UGSRC disclosed that UGEL initially proposed a 26 per cent increase in residential fees across university-managed and enterprise hostels for the upcoming academic session.
However, student leaders, including representatives of the Junior Common Rooms, rejected the proposal during a residential meeting, prompting further negotiations.
Following the intervention, UGEL revised the proposed increases downwards to between 15 and 19 per cent, depending on room categories and available facilities.
Despite the reduction, GRASAG and UGSRC maintained that the revised rates would still impose significant financial pressure on students, particularly those already struggling with the rising cost of education and living expenses.
The disagreement has triggered wider engagements involving University Management, student leadership and National Security representatives following reports of a planned student demonstration on Monday, November 2, 2026.
According to the joint statement, the Office of the Dean of Students initially met representatives of the demonstration organisers to discuss their concerns before broader multi-stakeholder consultations were initiated.
The statement, however, indicated that the conveners of the planned demonstration were invited to participate in the subsequent engagements to present their grievances but failed to attend.
As part of efforts to secure a lasting resolution, further consultations are expected to involve University Management, the UGEL Board, GRASAG, UGSRC, the Rent Control Department, the Attorney-General’s Department and National Security representatives.
The Attorney-General’s Department is expected to provide legal advice on the regulation of residential accommodation fees.
While reaffirming their commitment to fighting for affordable accommodation, the two student bodies cautioned students against participating in demonstrations organised by groups they described as unrecognised and unregistered within the University’s governance framework.
They advised students to avoid demonstrations that do not comply with university regulations and the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), warning of possible legal, disciplinary and public safety implications.
Meanwhile, GRASAG and UGSRC have announced plans to introduce an online hostel evaluation platform beginning this semester to strengthen accountability in student accommodation management.
The proposed platform will enable students to assess hostel conditions, sanitation, security and management responsiveness at the end of every academic term.
The data collected will be used as evidence in negotiations with University Management and hostel facility managers to demand improved services and ensure that accommodation charges reflect the quality of facilities provided.
GRASAG and UGSRC stressed that they remain committed to protecting student welfare and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent students from accessing higher education.
They urged students to remain calm and exercise restraint while the ongoing negotiations and institutional consultations continue.
The two bodies assured the student community that further updates would be communicated as discussions progress.
