The President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Rashid Ibrahim, has alleged that some university managers hold shares in private hostels, a situation he says creates a conflict of interest and contributes to the continuous rise in hostel fees while authorities remain silent.
His comments follow a commissioned study by NUGS into hostel fee trends and ownership structures across tertiary institutions.
Speaking on The Public Sphere on Radio Univers, Mr. Ibrahim accused some university officials of benefiting from private hostel operations, which he claims explains the lack of action against illegal rent increases.
He also disclosed that NUGS will soon publish the names of individuals linked to private hostel ownership, as Rent Control moves to prosecute violators.
“Some vice-chancellors and school managers own shares in private hostels and are benefiting, which is why they keep quiet. We will soon name and shame them. NUGS is researching hostel ownership structures to expose the people behind them,” he stated.
Mr. Ibrahim further explained that although Rent Control has stated it has no jurisdiction over public university-owned hostels, the law allows the Minister of Education to grant written permission for the agency to intervene.
“Rent Control does have jurisdiction. The law allows for exceptional circumstances. You can simply seek permission from the Minister of Education. The Minister can waive the exception, which is why they indicated they may write to the Minister,” he added.
Concerns over rising hostel fees continue, as NUGS intensifies calls for greater transparency and accountability in hostel ownership and pricing across tertiary institutions.
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Story by Erica Animah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
