The University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC), together with the presidents of the traditional halls of residence, has officially submitted a petition to the University Management, urging them to reconsider and revoke the recently announced 20% increase in Residential Facility User Fees (RFUF) for the traditional halls.
The petition, submitted on January 23, 2025, was signed by the SRC President, Maradona Adjei Yeboah, the UGSRC General Assembly Speaker, Kelvin Yeboah, and over 50 affected students. It highlights the lack of tenancy agreements between students and the university and emphasizes the significant financial strain the increase places on students and their families.
Addressed to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Godwin Awandare, the petition demands an immediate halt to the implementation of the fee increase and calls for a review of the decision.
The petition further urged management to adopt a formal tenancy agreement to regulate residential arrangements, ensuring accountability and fairness. They also proposed a policy framework to guide the application of additional RFUF fees toward specific hall projects.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Dean of Students, Vice Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Wiafe Akenteng, commended the SRC and JCR leaders for adhering to due process in voicing their concerns. He assured them that the petition would be forwarded to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for review and further action.
“On behalf of the Dean of Student Affairs and on my own behalf, we will take it. I am very happy that you have chosen to follow procedures. The university operates through established processes, and it is important to get it right. By the close of the day, this will be sent to the Pro VC’s Office. From there, it will be made available to senior management for discussion, and if necessary, it will be forwarded to the council.”
The petition followed an emergency meeting of the SRC Executive Committee (EXECOM) and a General Assembly session held on January 17 and 18, 2025, respectively, after the announcement of the 20% fee increase.
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Story by: Oliver Acorlor | univers.ug.edu.gh
