The recent hike in hostel fees at the University of Ghana has left students grappling with financial strain, affecting their ability to afford basic necessities.
Stephen, a final-year student, highlighted the abrupt increase in fees just 48 hours before the start of the academic year, catching many students and their families off guard.
Stephen expressed the challenges he now faces: “My dad pleaded with me to reduce my pocket money. Now I can’t even afford to eat a balanced diet on campus.” His father, unprepared for the sudden fee adjustment, had to borrow money to support the family.
Another student, Turkson, described witnessing the severe impact on his roommates, with some forced to drop out due to financial constraints.
He emphasized the fees’ unexpected nature: “The increase came unaware. We were just there; a few days before the school resumption, they brought a new fees schedule which was very hasty.”
The situation has led to a surge in the cost of living on campus, prompting some students to abandon hostels or, in extreme cases, withdraw from school.
Affected students are calling for intervention from the university authorities to address the high cost of living and ensure that the fees charged align with the quality of services provided.
Despite paying higher fees, students like Afia argue that essential facilities in the hostels remain in disrepair, with reported issues not being adequately addressed.
The collective hope among students is for the university administration to consider their financial constraints and take corrective measures to ease the burden on their already challenging academic journey.
Ghana Hostels Ltd approved hostel fees
The following are Ghana Hostels Ltd approved hostel rates for the 2023/2024 academic year – UG Legon facility
UG Hostel Fees for Ghanaian Students
| Room Type | Location | Facility | Approved Rates per Bed (GHS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in a Room with AC (Big) | New Pent | Ensuite | 24,362.00 |
| 1 in a Room with AC (Small) | New Pent | Ensuite | 21,820.00 |
| 1 in a Room without AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 17,908.00 |
| 2 in 1 Room with AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 15,489.00 |
| 2 in 1 Room without AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 10,185.00 |
| 2 in 1 Room without AC | Old Pent | Shared | 8,258.00 |
| 4 in 1 Room | New Pent | Ensuite | 5,313.00 |
| 4 in a Room | Old Pent | Shared | 4,928.00 |
UG Hostel Fees for International Students
| Room Type | Location | Facility | Approved Rate per Bed (GHS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in a Room with AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 35,320.00 |
| 1 in a Room without AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 27,320.00 |
| 2 in 1 Room with AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 22,080.00 |
| 2 in 1 Room without AC | New Pent | Ensuite | 17,456.00 |
| 2 in 1 Room without AC | Old Pent | Shared | 15,896.00 |
| 4 in 1 Room | New Pent | Ensuite | 9,576.00 |
| 4 in a Room | Old Pent | Shared | 8,576.00 |
Hostel fees include a refundable deposit against damages (GHS 150.00), a non-refundable deposit for online booking (GHS 100.00), and JCR dues (GHS 70.00).
GHL Management provided this information on July 13, 2023.
