Haruna Iddrisu
The government has set up a committee made up of officials from the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and university authorities to address growing concerns over increasing hostel accommodation fees across the country.
Speaking during the inauguration of governing councils for Jasikan College of Education and University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences on Tuesday, May 12, the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrissu, warned that private sector involvement in hostel development must not lead to excessive charges for students.
He noted that concerns have been raised publicly about recent adjustments in hostel fees, and disclosed that consultations are ongoing to find a lasting solution.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, the committee which includes the Ministry of Education, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and university vice-chancellors will continue engagements aimed at reaching an amicable resolution.
The minister stressed that government would not permit public-private partnerships in educational infrastructure to operate without proper safeguards to protect students and the broader public interest.
Mr. Iddrisu added that social responsibility and fairness would remain central to the delivery of public services within the education sector.
The minister further announced that the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences is expected to admit its first batch of 800 students by October this year.
He also disclosed that government is pursuing plans to establish additional public universities, including one in the Western North Region.
According to him, proposals for the establishment of new universities will be submitted to President John Dramani Mahama and government through the appropriate channels for policy direction.
He assured residents of the Western North Region that they remain part of government’s broader plans to expand higher education infrastructure across the country.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong