KNUST accommodation crisis: Unity Hall Master backs students’ protest over exorbitant hostel fees
There are growing concerns over the skyrocketing cost of private accommodation around the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) students are protesting against the high cost of private accommodation, leading to concerns from both university authorities and officials. The students from Unity Hall staged a protest during the National Youth Conference, objecting to exorbitant hostel prices ranging from GH₵ 5,000 to GH₵ 10,000 annually.
Professor Richard Kodzo Avuglah, the Hall Master of Unity Hall, condemned private hostel managers for charging between GH₵ 6,000 and GH₵ 7,000 per student, which he deemed unjustifiably high compared to the government-regulated rate of GH₵ 2,167.80 per student for traditional university halls. The disparity creates pressure on university management, as traditional halls are reserved for first-year students only, and there are no fee adjustments due to parliamentary approval issues.
Private operators charge triple the amount and exclude utilities, making the situation even more challenging for students whose families struggle to afford the high costs. The government has taken notice and promised immediate intervention to address the issue.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
