UPSA students lament high fees at private hostels, call for government intervention

Resident students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) are expressing worry over the escalating expense of on-campus housing, especially at private hostels, and are urging the government to step in for more budget-friendly options. Some students are paying upwards of GH¢6,000 for a four-bedroom shared room, sparking concerns regarding the financial strain of affording accommodation while attending classes.

A tour of the area on Tuesday, October 13, shed light on the frequent surges in hostel charges, particularly by private hostel proprietors, even as students describe the amenities as insufficient. Certain private hostels offer cramped quarters, with residents having to share bathroom and kitchen spaces. These circumstances have left several students questioning the rationale behind the exorbitant fees they are obligated to pay.

The rising cost of housing has emerged as a significant issue for students, many of whom struggle to manage hostel fees alongside other academic and living expenses. At a gathering on Monday, October 12, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, voiced concerns about the mounting expense of hostel accommodation and pledged to form a committee to investigate the matter.

The proposed committee is expected to scrutinize the increasing charges and brainstorm potential solutions to tackle the concerns surrounding hostel fees, particularly in the private sector. Students are urging the government to take immediate action to make accommodation more affordable while ensuring that private hostel operators furnish decent facilities that cater to the needs of students.

They believe timely interventions to address the rising costs would alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, thereby enhancing access to adequate housing.