Representative of the Jean Nelson constituency, Prince Appiah Dankwa, has called on the University of Ghana’s General Assembly to address concerns over rising hostel fees at Pent.
Speaking during the Assembly’s sitting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, Prince urged the Assembly to take action by addressing the issue and submitting a formal petition to both Pent management and the university administration.
“Mr. Speaker, we are here as honourable members to make decisions and help with building and housing policies. But here is a case where students who used to pay 23,000 Ghana cedis are now being charged 40,000 Ghana cedis,” he said.
“Nobody is speaking out against this. But it’s very worrying to see things like this go unaddressed. I think we should take a firm decision and, if possible, petition the management of Pent and even the school authorities.”
In response, Speaker of the General Assembly Kelvin Yeboah revealed that the Pentagon JCR president had declined the GA’s support on the matter, stating that she was handling it on her own.
“When this issue first came up, during one of our sessions, I spoke to the Pent JCR President, Jennifer Kpofo. We even wanted to have a discussion on it at the house, but she said she was handling it on her own and didn’t need us to step in. That’s why it wasn’t added to our subsequent meetings.”
Despite this, Prince maintained that the issue must still be addressed by the General Assembly.
“I think the fact that she is a JCR President doesn’t mean we should leave her to handle it alone. This body, the General Assembly, represents all JCRs. The JCRs do not hold more authority than the Assembly. I believe we can make a decision collectively and act on it.”
The remarks come after a sharp increase in Pent Hostel fees.
A one-in-a-room with air conditioning at New Pent now costs GH₵40,329, up from GH₵24,362 two years ago, nearly a 90 percent rise. At the same facility, a one-in-a-room without air conditioning has increased to GH₵24,835 from GH₵21,820 and a four-in-a-room at Old Pent, now costs GH₵7,492, up from GH₵4,928.
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Story by Anita Azawodie|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
