Fee Hike: UG SRC explains new student charges

The University of Ghana SRC has explained recent increases in third-party student fees, citing errors, rising utility costs, and funding needs for a new hostel project.

In a statement dated December 16, 2025, the Students’ Representative Council said the adjustments were introduced to address specific operational challenges while protecting students from undue financial pressure.

On the Telegel data charge, the SRC said a ₵312 fee applied to some students was a mistake. “This is an error which the Finance Directorate is working tirelessly to rectify as soon as possible,” the SRC noted.

It explained that students who opted to remain beneficiaries of the package “are to be charged the initial amount of ₵122.64 for the entire year,” while those who opted out “are not to be charged any amount with regards to Telegel data.”

The SRC also announced an additional ₵200 levy for the SRC Hostel Development project, describing it as critical to easing accommodation shortages on campus.

According to the statement, the SRC has been handed land to begin construction but needs adequate funding to meet rising material costs. “Upon its completion, the SRC Hostel will provide accommodation to 15,000 students,” the council said, adding that the goal is to offer rooms “at very affordable prices.”

UGSRC President Larbi Ofori Richmond said the levy reflects long-term planning rather than a short-term burden. “There has been the need to increase the hostel levy so as to meet rising cost of construction materials,” he said, stressing that the project is intended to expand access and reduce pressure on existing facilities.

The statement also addressed increases in UGEL Hall fees, confirming a 20 percent rise after negotiations. The SRC disclosed that the initial proposal was a 29 percent increment pegged at ₵7,500, attributed to higher electricity and water bills.

“The SRC together with the JCR executives stood against this increment vehemently,” the council said.

Following what it described as collective bargaining, the approved increase was reduced to ₵7,000. The SRC said it further proposed the procurement of prepaid meters for UGEL halls to “lift the financial burden of continuous hostel increment off students.”

Richmond said the council remains focused on student welfare. “The SRC still remains committed towards the improvement of students’ lives and experience on campus,” he stated.

The release come after widespread dissatisfaction among students of the university over the new hike. Some worry that it might be difficult to continue their education with the new additional costs.

According to media reports, first year students in the College of Humanities are set to pay 34% more in academic fees, whilst continuing students pay 27% more in the said fees.