Yawo Agbesi, chief executive officer of the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL), told reporters that the company is not seeking to exploit students with its planned 26‑per‑cent increase in residential facility user fees. The CEO assured students that UGEL remains committed to reaching an agreement with student leaders.
Agbesi said UGEL is reviewing the concerns raised by students over the proposed fee hike and will continue discussions with the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) before announcing final charges. He added that the company recognises the importance of students to its operations and will not disregard their concerns.
Students of the University of Ghana staged a three‑day protest demanding an immediate reversal of the increment and the abolition of the UGEL‑managed hostel system. In response, Agbesi rejected claims that UGEL was exploiting students, stating, “No, we are not in any way trying to exploit the students.”
He also addressed a directive from the Rent Control Department asking UGEL to refund some accommodation charges to affected students by November 17. Agbesi referred to a communiqué issued by the university the previous day, noting that consultations with student leadership were still ongoing. He said any refunds found to be necessary after the consultation process would be credited directly to the accounts of the affected students.
Agbesi expressed appreciation for the concerns raised by students, calling them “our constituents” and a very important aspect of UGEL’s business. He confirmed that management has continued engaging student leadership over the proposed fees and is prepared to return to the negotiating table to reach an amicable solution acceptable to all parties.
UGEL will keep students informed as discussions progress and aims to finalize fees that reflect both the institution’s needs and student welfare.
