UGSRC and GRASAG caution students against 26% fee increase protest

The University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) have officially cautioned the student body against participating in a planned demonstration over a proposed 26% increase in accommodation fees. The leadership issued the warning in response to calls for a protest organized by a group identified as the Concerned Students’ Movement. The student leaders emphasized that this group is neither recognized nor registered under the university’s governing regulations, making any demonstration organized by them potentially problematic for participants. According to the student leadership, while they acknowledge the significant concerns students have regarding the rising costs of campus housing, it is essential to maintain order and follow established protocols. They stressed that all student activities, especially demonstrations, must comply with both university statutes and the national Public Order Act. The UGSRC and GRASAG-UG expressed concern that an unsanctioned protest could lead to unnecessary confrontations with campus security or law enforcement, potentially resulting in disciplinary consequences for those involved. A primary reason for the leadership’s opposition to the protest is the status of ongoing negotiations with the university administration. The graduate and undergraduate representatives are currently engaged in formal dialogue with management and the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL) regarding the proposed fee adjustments. These discussions have already seen UGEL propose revised figures in an attempt to find a middle ground. The student leaders argue that a demonstration at this critical juncture could derail the mediation process and jeopardize the progress already achieved through diplomatic engagement. As the academic community awaits a final resolution, the UGSRC and GRASAG-UG have urged students to rely on official updates from their elected representatives rather than unverified groups. The leadership maintains that their focus remains on securing a fair and affordable fee structure that does not place an undue burden on students. They have called for patience while the negotiation team works to conclude talks with the university management, noting that a unified approach through recognized channels is the most effective way to address the accommodation crisis.