GRASAG-UG, UGSRC warn students against unauthorised protest over accommodation fees

The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) and the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) have urged students to stay away from a planned demonstration over accommodation fees, warning that the group organising the protest is not recognised under the university’s governance system. The Concerned Students’ Movement of the University of Ghana has announced plans to demonstrate on Monday, November 2, against a proposed 26 per cent increase in accommodation charges at university halls and facilities managed by the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL). In a joint communiqué issued on Sunday, November 1, the two recognised student bodies said they shared concerns about the rising cost of accommodation but cautioned students against joining protests that might breach university regulations or the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491). “We clarify that the group currently mobilising for a demonstration on Monday, November 2, is unrecognised and unregistered within the University’s governance framework,” the statement said. They added: “To protect students from legal jeopardy, disciplinary action, or public safety risks, students are strongly advised not to participate in demonstrations that do not comply with university regulations or the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).” The warning comes amid ongoing negotiations between student leaders and UGEL over the proposed accommodation charges. UGEL initially proposed a 26 per cent increase across university-managed halls and enterprise hostels for the next academic year, but the proposal was rejected by GRASAG-UG, UGSRC and Junior Common Room (JCR) executives at a residence meeting. Following further discussions, UGEL presented revised increases ranging from 15 to 19 per cent, depending on room categories and facilities. The student leadership, however, said the revised rates remained unacceptable and did not sufficiently address the financial pressure on students. GRASAG-UG and UGSRC said negotiations had yet to produce an agreement, adding that the Office of the Dean of Students had held an initial meeting with representatives of the group planning the demonstration. The two bodies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting students’ interests and said they would continue engaging the relevant stakeholders to reach an acceptable outcome. “GRASAG and UGSRC remain fully committed to protecting student welfare and ensuring that no student is priced out of higher education,” they said. They urged students to remain calm and exercise restraint while the discussions continued, adding that further updates would be shared through their official communication channels as consultations progressed.