GRASAG backs Rent Control Department over hostel price hikes

The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) National Secretariat has thrown its support behind recent actions taken by the Rent Control Department to address the rising cost of hostel and accommodation fees within tertiary institution communities across the country.

In a press statement dated May 5, 2026, GRASAG described the continuous increase in hostel charges as exploitative and a major burden on students, particularly graduate students who are already struggling with high tuition fees, research expenses, transportation costs and the general rising cost of living in Ghana.

“Accommodation and rent have remained one of the most burdensome and pivotal expenses confronting students, particularly graduate students,” the statement said.

According to GRASAG, despite the severe impact of the situation on students’ welfare and academic lives, the issue has largely been ignored over the years.

The association expressed deep concern over what it described as “exorbitant” hostel accommodation costs, stating that many students are forced to spend significant portions of their financial resources on rent while receiving poor living conditions in return.

“GRASAG National notes with deep concern that the exorbitant cost of hostel accommodation has become the greatest headache for many graduate students,” the statement noted.

The association added that the current situation is worsening the already difficult conditions facing students nationwide.

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“In many cases, students are compelled to spend huge portions of their financial resources on accommodation without receiving decent living conditions in return,” GRASAG stated.

GRASAG also commended the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) for what it described as a “bold and groundbreaking initiative” in drawing national attention to the exploitation students face in the accommodation sector.

“This is a major burden that has affected students for many years and must not be ignored any longer,” the association stressed.

The association further praised the swift intervention by the Rent Control Department and pledged its readiness to collaborate with authorities to protect students from unfair pricing practices and exploitation.

“We equally commend the swift response and immediate action taken by the Rent Control Department and assure them of our full support and readiness to collaborate in protecting students from exploitation and unfair pricing practices,” the statement added.

As part of its demands, GRASAG called on the Ministry of Education to urgently convene a crisis meeting involving the Rent Control Department, university managements, hostel owners and private accommodation operators, student leaders, and other relevant regulatory and consumer protection institutions.

The association said the proposed meeting should focus on implementing “practical, transparent and enforceable measures” to tackle the escalating accommodation costs on university campuses and safeguard students from financial abuse.

“The time has come for decisive action. Safe, decent, and affordable accommodation is not a luxury but a necessity for academic excellence,” GRASAG emphasised.

AM