The University of Ghana (UG) has defended its decision to increase hall fees by 20% for the 2024/2025 academic year, clarifying that each student now contributes GHS 9 per day to cover the rising costs of utilities, renovations, and maintenance.

The hike, which raises Residential Facility User Fees (RFUF) to GHS 3,000 annually for traditional halls such as Volta, Commonwealth, Mensah Sarbah, and Legon, has sparked considerable backlash from students and parents.

Dr. Margaret Amankwah-Poku, Chair of the Committee of Heads of Halls, explained that the fee adjustment is essential to maintain a conducive living environment for students. She further noted that the hall receives 70% of the fees, while 30% goes to the university.

“Out of what they pay, the hall gets 70%, and 30% goes to the university. Each student is paying GHS 9 per day and GHS 65 a week. With this, we have to clean washrooms, maintain the facilities, and provide for students’ welfare,” Dr. Amankwah-Poku said.

She added that the current fees were insufficient to effectively run the halls, and the university has had to rely on supplementary funds, including donations and sponsorships, to cover the shortfall.

“Even with what they are paying now, it’s not enough, and we have to supplement it with internally generated funds,” she stated.

Despite these justifications, reactions from students and parents have been divided. Some parents expressed frustration over the fee increase, citing the financial challenges many families are already facing.

“Things are expensive, and money is already a problem. Even the previous fees were manageable, but this increment worsens the situation,” one parent shared with Channel One News.

However, other parents were more understanding, acknowledging the broader economic context.

“This is my first time experiencing this. Considering how the cost of everything has risen, I think the increment is normal,” another parent remarked.

While the university stands by the hike, it continues to face criticism from some quarters over the financial impact on students and their families.