Students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have voiced strong concerns over what they describe as exorbitant private hostel fees. These accommodation costs are now placing severe financial pressure on students and their families. The students warn that these rising expenses could negatively impact their education.
The University Hall morale group, known as Katanga, raised these concerns following a performance at the 2026 National Youth Conference held at KNUST. Students displayed placards with messages like “Reduce hostel fees now!” and “Hostel fees are now more expensive than our school fees, why?”. They aim to draw the attention of the government and relevant authorities to the ongoing accommodation crisis.
This situation highlights a broader challenge within Ghana’s tertiary education sector, where the demand for student housing often outstrips supply. This imbalance allows private hostel owners to dictate prices, sometimes without adequate regulation. The issue contributes to the increasing cost of higher education, potentially limiting access for students from lower-income backgrounds. Previous reports have indicated a growing disparity between public university fees and ancillary costs like accommodation.
Obrane, a final-year Agricultural Engineering student and leader of the morale group, stated that private hostel owners are allegedly disregarding regulatory guidance. He noted that hostel prices are now more expensive than university school fees, which he described as unfortunate. He appealed to the media to highlight the difficulties students face.
The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has pledged government intervention. He assured students that he would discuss the issue with the Minister for Education and other relevant rent control authorities. Mr. Opare Addo stressed that private hostel operators must comply with Ghana's laws governing accommodation and rent. He also disclosed that the Ministry of Education is negotiating with private developers to construct affordable on-campus accommodation. This initiative forms part of the government's broader policy to expand student housing across tertiary institutions. The government remains committed to its “Bed for All” policy, aiming to increase accommodation availability for students nationwide.