The rising cost of hostel fees at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has sparked outrage among students and social media users. Many have expressed frustration over the exorbitant rates, questioning how students, especially those from low-income families, are expected to afford such expenses.
According to YEN, recent reports suggest that hostel fees for the 2025 academic year have seen a significant increase, with some facilities charging as much as GHC 12,000 per academic year. The situation has led to an outpouring of criticism online, as students took to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to voice their concerns.
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| KNUST HOSTEL |
“How can unemployed students or their struggling parents afford this? Education is becoming a privilege for the wealthy,” one frustrated student posted. Another commented, “This is outrageous! Are we paying for luxury apartments or student hostels?”
Parents have also joined the conversation, with many lamenting the financial strain such fees place on their households. For families already grappling with rising costs of living, the hike in hostel fees feels like an added burden.
Students and activists have called on the university and relevant authorities to address the situation. They argue that the high fees contradict the institution’s mission of providing accessible education to Ghanaians. Some have also highlighted the disparity in fees between private hostels and on-campus housing, urging the government to regulate private accommodation providers.
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| KNUST HOSTEL |
In response to the backlash, some hostel operators have justified the increases, citing rising operational costs, maintenance expenses, and inflation. However, this explanation has done little to calm public frustration, with critics arguing that education should remain affordable despite economic challenges.
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| KNUST HOSTEL |
As the debate continues, many are urging the KNUST administration and the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure that students are not priced out of accessing decent accommodation. Some have even called for demonstrations to demand fairer rates.
