The President of the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC), Larbi Ofori Richmond, has stated that the Council is awaiting a detailed explanation regarding the recent fee increment by the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL).
This follows the release of the new residential fees, which have risen from GHS 5,820 to GHS 7,000 for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive on December 8, 2025, Larbi revealed that the initial proposed fee was actually GHS 7,500, but after discussions between the SRC, JCR executives, and UGEL management, the amount was reduced to the current GHS 7,000.
“After the initial increments, it was actually a 29% increment that was going to represent a total amount of GHS 7,500 for the entire academic year.”
He noted that UGEL management has not yet provided a full breakdown of the factors that led to the increase in residential fees.
“But then UGEL didn’t give us that breakdown. I’m not privy to any information about a hall tutors’ party or anything of that sort. We want to finalise every single detail before releasing a communiqué. Through our engagements, we expect to receive that breakdown and then determine the next steps.”
He further stated that UGEL justified the increase by citing rising operational costs and recurring misuse of utilities by students.
“So then the SRC and the JCR decided to dialogue and enquire about the reason for the increment. They mentioned quite a number of factors, but the standard one among them was the utility bills. You know, unlike other halls on campus, usual halls do not have a prepaid metre. So it’s the hostel management itself that pays for the utility bills—water, electricity, and so on. They attributed it to the fact that the majority of students misuse utilities since they don’t pay for them directly. As a result, it increases their operational costs.”
He also mentioned that management justified the revision of academic fees on the basis of ongoing digital transformation and increased personnel expenditure.
“For quite some time now, there has not been an increment in academic fees. Management says the rise is due to increased personnel costs, more staff being recruited, and the university’s transition to digital systems. These adjustments are needed to keep the institution.”
He assured students that they may proceed with payment of fees, noting that any future adjustments by management will reflect in student accounts, with refunds issued where applicable.
“For students interested in making payments, they can go ahead. If there is a reduction, the money remains credited to your student account, and you can request a refund after payment. For those waiting, the SRC remains committed to fighting for their interests. Let’s expect positive feedback.”
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Story by Rocklyn Agyei | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
