Minister Orders University of Ghana to Slash Facility Fees for Students

In a significant development, the University of Ghana has been directed to reduce its facility user fees for both continuing and first-year students after protests erupted over the recent 25% hike in fees.

The decision follows a meeting held between the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Minister of Education, and the university’s Vice Chancellor.

The fee increase had caused widespread dissatisfaction among students, who argued that the hike was an unexpected financial burden, especially for those who had already budgeted for the academic year.

In response to these concerns, Minister of Education Mr. Iddrisu instructed the Vice Chancellor to immediately reduce the residential facility fees by 25%.

“I have asked the Vice Chancellor to reduce the residential facility fees by 25 percent, and I have subsequently asked her to engage you (SRC) in the future on any fee announcement,” Mr. Iddrisu stated, highlighting the importance of proper student engagement moving forward.

In a positive response, Vice Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Amfo assured that the directive would be implemented.

She acknowledged the concerns raised by students and pledged that the university would work towards more transparent and inclusive communication with the SRC in the future.

“We have listened to you, our Minister, and also our students, and we can afford to reduce it to 25 percent across the board, and going forward, there will be adequate student engagement,” she said.

This decision comes as a relief to many students at the University of Ghana, as the reduction in fees will help alleviate some of the financial pressure caused by the sudden hike.

Students can now look forward to a more manageable academic year, with assurances from both the government and the university that their voices will be heard in future fee-related matters.