Gov't sets up committee to address rising hostel fees in Universities

The government has constituted a committee to address growing concerns over soaring hostel accommodation fees across tertiary institutions in the country.

The Committee involves the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and university authorities.

The announcement was made by the Education Minister during the inauguration of governing councils for Jasikan College of Education and the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

According to the Minister, the committee is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders, including vice-chancellors of universities, to find an amicable and sustainable solution to the issue.

"We are also aware publicly there is been concerns about adjustment to hostel fees. There is a committee which will work with Education Ministry, GTEC and Vice-Chancellors of the universities, we will be convening to deliberate further and consult further in order that we find an amicable solution to it," the Minister remarked.

He cautioned that private sector participation in hostel development should not lead to exploitative pricing that places excessive financial pressure on students and their families.

“Government will ensure a socially responsible approach in the provision of public goods,” he stated, adding that broader social concerns must remain central to the implementation of such projects.

The move follows public criticism over sharp hikes in hostel accommodation fees in some universities across the country.

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences is expected to admit its first batch of 800 students by October this year.

He also revealed that government is pursuing plans to establish additional public universities, including one in the Western North Region.

According to him, proposals for the establishment of new universities will be submitted to President John Dramani Mahama and the government for policy direction through the appropriate channels.

The minister assured residents of the Western North Region that the area remains under consideration as part of government’s broader plans to expand higher education infrastructure nationwide.