The Concerned Students’ Movement of the University of Ghana has announced plans to stage a protest on Monday, November 2.
The planned protest is against a 26% increase in accommodation fees at university halls and facilities operated by the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL).
The students are calling for a review of the new charges, refunds for those who have already paid the increased fees and greater transparency in decisions concerning accommodation costs.
Speaking to Citi News, Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong, a member of the movement, said the group was engaging the Dean of Students’ Affairs and other university officials in an attempt to resolve the matter before the planned demonstration.
Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong criticised the revised charges, arguing that the cost of accommodation had risen significantly within a short period, placing additional financial pressure on students.
According to Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong, some facilities that previously cost between GH₵3,000 and GH₵4,000 per semester are now being priced at approximately GH₵8,000.
“Just two semesters ago, the facility where students were paying about GH₵3,000 and GH₵4,000 now is being priced around GH₵8,000,” he said.
Mr Oduro-Acheampong also raised concerns about the process through which the new fees were determined, arguing that students should have been consulted before the increases were introduced.
He maintained that university management had a responsibility to explain the basis for the revised charges and provide clear information on the factors influencing accommodation costs.
The movement further insists that the fees charged should correspond with the quality of facilities and services available to students. Mr Oduro-Acheampong cautioned against imposing high accommodation costs where the standards of service do not justify the amounts being demanded.
Also, beyond the fee increases, the group is seeking greater accountability from the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC), particularly in its response to concerns affecting the student population.
Mr Oduro-Acheampong said the movement expects the university authorities to justify the new rates, arguing that the planned protest is intended to press for a reduction in the revised fees, refunds for affected students and a more transparent approach to future accommodation pricing decisions.
Also, Rent Commissioner, Fredrick Opoku, has issued a stern warning to the University of Ghana (UG) against a planned 26% increase in rent.
He disclosed that the Rent Control Department had written to the university over the proposed increase but received a response indicating that the department had no supervisory authority over its operations.
Fredrick Opoku disclosed that Rent Control was preparing to seek legal advice from the Attorney General on the matter.
“We are saying that Legon, for example, is sending a bad signal to the country,” he said, warning that the department would not tolerate what he considered an attempt by the institution to disregard the law.
The Rent Commissioner stressed that the department would apply the law equally to all private entities and would not allow any institution to operate above the country’s legal framework.
“There will not be any selective justice. And Legon is not bigger than the laws of the republic,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the department could seek an injunction against the hostel operator following advice from the Attorney General.
“I am not pleading with them. I’m warning them. They must desist from increasing the rent without approval,” he indicated.
@ghnow_ The Minority in Parliament has called for Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s resignation over corruption allegations linked to the South Africa evacuation exercise. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
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