It was a Monday filled with tension and determination as students of the University of Ghana gathered in protest, demanding the immediate dismissal of the management of the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL). The root of their anger: a 15% increase in hostel fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The announcement of the fee hike sent shockwaves across campus. Students argued that the increment was not only unjustified but also rolled out without adequate consultation. Many voiced their frustration, insisting that there had been no improvements in the quality of accommodation facilities to warrant the higher charges.
During the demonstration, one passionate student captured the mood of the crowd. “The UGEL must go, simple. They must go because they are not doing anything to help us. You can’t just wake up one day and increase the hostel, the accommodation fees without any proper improvements, without proper consultation,” he declared, surrounded by his peers.
The event was spearheaded by the Concerned Students of the University of Ghana, who pressed on with the protest despite appeals from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) for students to stay away. Originally planned for November 2, the protest was postponed to November 9 after police requested extra time to prepare for the crowd.
At the heart of the protest were calls for a review of the revised charges and a demand for greater transparency in how hostel fees are determined. Students lamented that the university management seemed out of touch with their financial realities and welfare concerns.
In response to the uproar, university officials clarified that UGEL had initially proposed a 26% increase, which was later reduced to 15% for standard rooms housing four students, following meetings with student leaders. On November 8, management announced it was reopening talks with the SRC, GRASAG-UG, and the UGEL Board to reach a consensus on accommodation charges for the coming academic year.
The protest comes against a backdrop of growing anxiety over rising accommodation costs at the university. Adding to the pressure, the Rent Control Department earlier directed UGEL and private hostel operators to suspend any unassessed rent increases and to refund excess payments by November 17, 2026.
As events unfold, the students remain firm in their demand for accountability and a fairer deal, vowing to continue their fight until their voices are truly heard.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com