University of Ghana urges students to suspend protest over 26% accommodation fee hike

The University of Ghana has urged organisers of a planned demonstration over a 26% accommodation fee increase to suspend the protest, saying university management is engaging students to address their concerns.

The Concerned Students’ Movement of the University of Ghana has announced plans to demonstrate on Monday, November 2, demanding a reduction in the revised accommodation charges, refunds for students who have already paid and greater transparency in decisions affecting fees.

In a notice dated Wednesday, October 28, the university’s Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Rosina I. Kyerematen, said management had engaged the group and assured its members that students’ immediate, medium-term and long-term needs, including accommodation, would be addressed.

“The organisers have therefore been advised to suspend the proposed demonstration as engagements with management and stakeholders are pursued,” the notice said.

Students demand review of accommodation fees

The planned protest follows a 26% increase in accommodation fees at university halls and facilities managed by the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL).

The student organisers are seeking a reduction in the revised charges, alongside refunds for students who have already paid under the new fee structure.

They are also calling for greater transparency in decisions affecting accommodation costs, an issue with direct implications for students managing the cost of university education.

University calls for established channels

Professor Kyerematen urged students and student groups to exhaust established procedures when addressing grievances, in accordance with the university's regulations for junior members.

The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs said it was also working with other university units, including the Student Financial Aid Office and the Careers and Counselling Directorate, to provide welfare support.

The stated aim is to help maintain a peaceful learning environment while supporting students' welfare.

What happens next?

The immediate question is whether the student organisers will suspend the November 2 protest while negotiations continue.

The university has asked them to allow engagements with management and other stakeholders to proceed,

The dispute also leaves questions about the proposed fee reduction, possible refunds and the transparency of accommodation pricing unresolved.

Any agreement between management and the students would need to address those concerns if the dispute is to be settled.

For now, the university's position is that dialogue should continue before the planned demonstration proceeds.

Read the full statement below: