The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has declared its firm opposition to a proposed 26% increase in accommodation fees for residential facilities at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon. The student body has vowed to resist the implementation of the new charges, describing them as “insensitive” and a direct attack on the welfare of the ordinary Ghanaian student.
In a press statement released on Friday, October 2, 2026, NUGS President Rashid Ibrahim stated that the proposed hike is untenable given the current economic climate. The Union is demanding that university management immediately withdraw the proposal or face a united front from the student populace.
“We will resist it. The timing is wrong, and the economic realities do not support such an astronomical increase,” Mr. Ibrahim said. “Students are already struggling with high tuition fees, rising transportation costs, and the general cost of living. Adding a 26% hike to accommodation is simply pushing the students to the wall.”
The Breakdown of the Proposed Hike
While the university management is yet to release a detailed breakdown, sources within the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) suggest that the proposed adjustment is intended to cover rising utility costs, maintenance of aging residential facilities, and inflation. However, student leaders argue that the quality of services provided in the halls of residence—including erratic water supply, poor sanitation, and dilapidated infrastructure—does not justify a fee increment of this magnitude.
The NUGS President noted that the Union is not against the sustainable maintenance of facilities but insists that any adjustment must be preceded by significant improvements in service delivery and must be negotiated through the appropriate channels.
Background: The Legon Accommodation Crisis
The University of Ghana has historically faced a critical accommodation deficit, with thousands of students failing to secure on-campus housing each academic year. The limited bed capacity often forces students into the private hostel market, where prices are significantly higher and often unregulated. The proposed hike at the state university is expected to have a ripple effect, potentially triggering price increases in private hostels surrounding the campus.
This is not the first time NUGS has clashed with university administration over fees. In previous years, similar attempts to increase fees have led to student protests and standoffs. The Union has already signaled its intention to engage in dialogue with the university’s Business and Executive Committee, but has warned that if dialogue fails, it will mobilize students for a massive demonstration.
Next Steps
The NUGS leadership has given the university a one-week ultimatum to suspend the implementation of the 26% hike and engage in broader consultations with student leadership.
“We are calling on the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council to be parents to these students. You cannot burden them with fees when their parents are suffering,” Ibrahim added. “We will not sit down for this to happen.”
The University of Ghana administration is yet to officially respond to the NUGS statement as of press time. However, university officials have previously maintained that fee adjustments are necessary to keep pace with the rising costs of operations and to ensure the safety and comfort of students on campus.
About NUGS:
The National Union of Ghana Students is the umbrella body representing the interests of students across all tertiary institutions in Ghana. It serves as the mouthpiece for students in matters of education policy, welfare, and national development.
