Youth Minister moves to tackle rising hostel fees at KNUST

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, has pledged to intervene in the escalating issue of rising hostel fees at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This announcement came after a protest by KNUST students at the university’s Great Hall, where they displayed placards highlighting the growing expense of hostel and residential accommodation.

Addressing the National Youth Conference in Kumasi on August 11, 2026, Mr Opare-Addo stated that the government would collaborate with relevant authorities and hostel operators to resolve the students’ concerns. He affirmed that the government would petition the Education Ministry and other institutions overseeing rent regulations to ensure that accommodation charges remain reasonable and adhere to the law.

Mr Opare-Addo emphasized the importance of adhering to laws, stating, “We are a country of laws. We must allow our laws to work. No single individual is bigger or greater than the laws of this country.” Additionally, the Minister assured that the government would engage private hostel owners to address the situation and prevent students from facing unreasonable accommodation fees.

He added that the Ministry of Education was also negotiating with private investors to construct more affordable accommodation facilities on university campuses.