Students of the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, have staged a demonstration to protest a 15 per cent increase in hostel fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, calling for the immediate dismissal of the management of the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL).
The protest, which took place on Monday, November 9, 2026, was organised by the Concerned Students of the University of Ghana, despite appeals from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the University of Ghana Local Chapter of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) urging students not to participate.
The protesting students described the fee increment as unjustified, insisting that it was introduced without adequate consultation or corresponding improvements in the standard of hostel accommodation. Addressing the media during the demonstration, the students accused UGEL management of being insensitive to their financial challenges and failing to put their welfare first.
One of the demonstrators argued that the management had failed to act in the best interests of students and should therefore be removed from office. “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,” the student said.
Management’s response
In a statement issued on November 8, 2026, and signed by the Director of the Public Affairs Directorate, Dr Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, the University of Ghana management acknowledged concerns raised by some students over residential fees and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the matter through dialogue. Management also recognised the financial challenges facing students and their families, noting that the university remained mindful of the impact of accommodation costs on them.
According to the statement, fees for the traditional halls, which are directly managed by the university, had been increased by GH¢500, from GH¢3,000 to GH¢3,500 per academic year. The adjustment, it explained, was necessitated by rising costs of utilities, maintenance and other essential services.
Regarding halls under the management of the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL), the university clarified that the widely circulated 26 per cent increment was an initial proposal affecting some halls. It said the proposed increase was subsequently reduced following consultations with student leaders. Management further disclosed that charges for standard rooms accommodating four students had gone up by 15 per cent.
The statement added that UGEL was engaging the leadership of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Local (GRASAG-UG), and the UGEL Board to agree on a compromise that would be both fair and sustainable.
It also noted that the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs had already held discussions with the protesting students and remained willing to engage them further. Students requiring financial assistance were encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs or the Student Financial Aid Office for support.
