The management of Akuafo Hall has implemented a “No Visitors Allowed” policy, prohibiting non-residents of the hall from accessing the premises. This decision follows a series of thefts in the hall, including the alleged theft of a resident’s refrigerator.
According to authorities, the policy aims to safeguard students and prevent further thefts. Residents have been urged to comply strictly with the directive to ensure a safer environment within the hall.
Some residents shared their concerns with Univers News about the impact of the restriction on their daily lives.
“I have non-resident friends, and sometimes we have classes from 7:30 to 9:20 a.m., and our next class isn’t until the evening, from 5:30 to 7:20 p.m. They need about five hours to rest, and now they have nowhere to go. If they roam around campus, there’s no place for them to settle,” one resident expressed.
“Visitors should be allowed because we are humans, and preventing our friends from coming to us feels like punishment. This is very bad. We are hoping they scrap it,” another resident added.
Speaking to Univers News, the President of Akuafo Hall’s Junior Common Room (JCR), Nii Adjetey Quao, emphasised that the restriction is a temporary measure.
“I must state emphatically that this [no visitors allowed policy] is not a permanent resolution. It is a temporary measure while we develop appropriate solutions.”
When asked how long the policy would remain in effect, the JCR President explained that it would last until concrete measures were in place to address residents’ concerns.
“We are looking at about two to three weeks. By the time we return from the Christmas holidays, we hope to have concrete and feasible measures that will not cause discomfort to residents. The whole idea is to bring comfort to the students.”
Nii Adjetey Quao also noted that provisions had been made for residents to meet their friends, colleagues, or relatives in front of the hall.
“We’ve set up provisions for them [residents]. If they want to have discussions with anyone, the Akuafo Hall gardens are available. Chairs and canopies have been provided to offer a comfortable setting for conversations.”
In 1956, the Hall Council chose the name “Akuafo” to honour the farmers of the Gold Coast (now Ghana). Through the Cocoa Marketing Board, these farmers generously donated substantial funds for the creation of Akuafo Hall as a student residence.
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
