Students at the University of Ghana will march and hold a rally on Friday, 30 October 2026, in protest against increased hostel charges and what organisers describe as the commercialisation of student accommodation.
The demonstration is being led by the #SaveTheUniversity Movement, Students for Accommodation and Concerned Students of Ghana under the theme: “End Student Exploitation Now!”
In a press statement issued on Sunday, 25 October, the groups said continuing students were being required to pay at least GH¢5,000 for campus accommodation, while some fees had risen to GH¢8,000.
They accused the university of placing revenue generation ahead of student welfare. The organisers argued that accommodation at a public institution should not become a financial burden that threatens students’ education.
The groups also objected to the conversion of traditional halls into facilities operated by University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL), which they said charged higher fees.
They criticised the university’s “In-Out-Out-Out” accommodation policy, claiming it had left continuing students without residential facilities. Even those who obtained rooms, they said, faced water shortages, overcrowding and poor sanitation.
Graduate students were also said to be affected by extended-stay charges when they needed additional time on campus to complete research and other academic work.
The organisers questioned the progress of a proposed 10,000-bed prefabricated hostel for the University of Ghana. The project was reportedly announced by the President in January 2026, with factory equipment expected to arrive from Singapore.
More than nine months after that reported announcement, the groups said students needed an update on the project. They also asked for details of accommodation plans for the 12 new universities announced by the Minister of Education.
Groups demand fees are reversed
The organisers are calling for an immediate freeze and reversal of all fee increases, particularly charges for residential accommodation.
They also want extended-stay fees for graduate students scrapped and a full breakdown of all charges published, including information on which authorities approved them.
Further demands include a funded programme to improve residential, study and working conditions on campus.
The groups are also calling on all Junior Common Rooms (JCRs) to organise open forums where hostel residents can discuss the increases and agree a collective resolution.
“Accommodation is not a luxury! Education is not a business! Students are not revenue streams!” the statement said.
The march will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Okponglo Gate taxi station on Friday, 30 October. Participants will then proceed to the Legon Main Gate, where the rally is scheduled to take place.
The organisers have invited media houses to cover the event and said they are available for interviews before and on the day of the demonstration.
The statement was jointly issued by the #SaveTheUniversity Movement, Students for Accommodation and Concerned Students of Ghana.
By Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong
