In a recent directive, Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has instructed the management of the University of Ghana to reduce the Residential Facility User Fees (RFUF) from GH¢3,000 to GH¢2,500 for both new and returning students. This decision comes in response to widespread concerns over the affordability of tertiary education amidst the nation’s current economic challenges.
The University of Ghana had previously announced a 20% increase in RFUF, elevating the fees for traditional halls such as Volta, Commonwealth, Mensah Sarbah, and Legon to GH¢3,000 per annum. This increment was justified by the university’s administration as necessary to address rising utility costs, undertake essential renovations, and ensure proper maintenance of residential facilities. Dr. Margaret Amankwah-Poku, Chair of the Committee of Heads of Halls, emphasized that the existing fee structure allocated 70% of the collected fees to the halls and 30% to the university. She noted that at the previous rate, each student contributed approximately GH¢9 daily, totaling GH¢65 weekly, which was deemed insufficient to cover expenses related to cleaning, maintenance, and student welfare.
The announcement of the fee hike was met with significant backlash from students, parents, and other stakeholders. Many argued that the increase was ill-timed, considering the prevailing economic hardships faced by numerous Ghanaian families. Some parents expressed concerns about the added financial burden, stating that while previous fees were manageable, the increment exacerbated their financial strain.
In light of these concerns, Minister Iddrisu’s directive aims to alleviate the financial pressures on students and their families. By mandating a reduction of the RFUF to GH¢2,500, the government seeks to balance the university’s operational needs with the economic realities of its students.
The University of Ghana’s management is now tasked with implementing this directive. This will involve recalibrating their budgetary allocations to ensure that the reduction in fees does not compromise the quality of services and maintenance of residential facilities. It remains to be seen how the university will adjust its financial plans to accommodate this change.
This development underscores the ongoing debate about the funding of tertiary education in Ghana. While universities face legitimate challenges related to rising operational costs, there is a pressing need to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all segments of society. Stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive review of university funding models, increased government support, and the exploration of alternative revenue streams to reduce the financial burden on students.
As the situation unfolds, students and parents are advised to stay updated through official university communications to understand how this directive will be implemented and what steps they may need to take in response to the adjusted fee structure.
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