Students of the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, have staged a demonstration demanding the immediate removal of the management of the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL) over a 15 per cent increase in hostel accommodation fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The protest, organised by the Concerned Students of the University of Ghana on Monday, November 9, 2026, followed growing dissatisfaction with the revised accommodation charges, which students consider unjustified and insensitive to their financial circumstances.
The demonstrators accused UGEL management of increasing fees without corresponding improvements in hostel facilities and adequate consultation with students.
One of the protesters questioned the rationale behind the adjustment, arguing that students were being asked to pay more despite deteriorating accommodation conditions.
“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.
The demonstrators are demanding a complete reversal of the increase to the previous accommodation rates, alongside a change in the leadership of UGEL.
They argue that the additional charges would worsen the financial difficulties confronting students and their families, particularly when the quality of accommodation and services has not improved proportionately.
The demonstration proceeded despite appeals from the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) for students to exercise restraint and allow ongoing negotiations to resolve the disagreement.
The protest was initially scheduled for November 2 but was postponed to November 9 following a request by the police for additional time to make security arrangements.
University reopens negotiations
The demonstration follows an announcement by the university on Sunday, November 8, that it would reopen discussions with student leaders and UGEL management over the revised accommodation charges.
UGEL had initially proposed a 26 per cent increase in accommodation fees, but the adjustment was subsequently reduced to 15 per cent for standard rooms accommodating four students following preliminary engagements with student representatives.
The university also clarified that accommodation fees in the traditional halls, which are directly managed by the institution, had increased by GH¢500, from GH¢3,000 to GH¢3,500 annually.
Management attributed the adjustments to rising utility bills, maintenance expenses and other operational costs associated with managing the residential facilities.
It said UGEL was re-engaging the SRC, GRASAG-UG leadership and its Board to reach an agreement that would be fair to students while ensuring the sustainability of the facilities.
“Following a series of engagements with relevant stakeholders on further concerns raised by some students, UGEL is re-engaging the SRC and GRASAG-UG leadership and the UGEL Board to reach a compromise that is fair and sustainable,” the university stated.
Rent Control directive adds pressure
The dispute has also attracted the attention of the Rent Control Department, which has directed UGEL and private hostel operators to suspend unapproved accommodation fee increases and restore previous rental rates.
The department further directed affected operators to refund excess amounts collected from students by November 17, 2026.
The directive followed a petition by the University of Ghana SRC seeking intervention over the proposed residential fee adjustments.
The department maintained that operators of student hostels and other accommodation facilities are required to comply with Ghana’s rent laws and cannot unilaterally impose increases outside the applicable legal requirements.
The development has intensified scrutiny of accommodation charges and the management of student residential facilities, particularly amid growing concerns about the affordability of tertiary education.
