Here is the rewritten article, structured with clean HTML, optimized for SEO, and expanded into a comprehensive, pedagogical guide regarding the fee increase at the University of Ghana.

University of Ghana Fee Hike: The 25% Increase Explained

Life Pulse Daily | January 3, 2026

Introduction

Students and parents associated with the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, are currently navigating a complex financial landscape following the release of fee schedules for the 2025/2026 academic year. Reports indicate a significant surge in the cost of education, with some freshman fees jumping by over 25% compared to the previous year. This sudden shift has sparked debate and confusion across the campus community.

At the center of this controversy is a critical distinction regarding who imposes these charges. While the headline figures suggest a massive tuition hike, university administration officials have stepped forward to clarify that the central university has not increased core academic fees. Instead, the rising costs are attributed to levies set by student governance bodies. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the fee structure, the official response from university leadership, and practical advice for students managing these expenses.

Key Points

Fee Increase Origin: The University of Ghana administration denies imposing a 25% tuition hike. The increase is attributed to third-party levies imposed by student governance bodies.
Financial Breakdown: Freshman fees for Humanities have risen from GH¢2,319 to GH¢3,110. The difference is largely due to new student union levies.
Third-Party Levies: Specific charges include a GH¢300 SRC Hostel Development Levy, a GH¢100 Legacy Project fee, and a GH¢312 Telecel Data Package.
Official Stance: Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor, argues that core university fees remain “modest” and have not changed since 2022 despite high inflation.
Student Responsibility: Management directs grievances regarding third-party fees to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG).

Background

The University of Ghana, located in Legon, is the oldest and largest public university in the country. It serves as a benchmark for higher education costs in Ghana. Historically, fee structures at UG are bifurcated: there are “academic facility user fees” charged by the university administration, and “student union dues” or “levies” charged by student leaders to fund union activities, welfare programs, and development projects.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the economic climate in Ghana has been characterized by high inflation and rising operational costs. This has put pressure on all sectors, including higher education. Historically, the university has absorbed significant portions of inflationary pressures to keep tuition stable. However, student unions operate their own treasuries and budgets, which are subject to the same inflationary pressures.

The current crisis stems from the release of provisional fee schedules. These schedules showed a sharp rise in the total amount payable by fresh students. The confusion arose because the breakdown of these fees was not immediately transparent to all stakeholders, leading to the perception that the central university administration had arbitrarily raised tuition by a significant margin.

Analysis

To understand the financial impact on students, it is necessary to analyze the specific components of the fee hike. The central university administration maintains that the “Core Academic Facility User Fee” has remained relatively stable. The sharp increase is found in the “Third-Party” or auxiliary levies.

The Cost of Student Governance

Student leadership at the University of Ghana is responsible for organizing events, welfare initiatives, and long-term infrastructure projects. To fund these, they impose levies on the student body. According to the university’s breakdown, the total third-party component for freshmen has swelled significantly this year.

For an undergraduate student, specifically a freshman in Humanities, the breakdown of these third-party items includes:

SRC Hostel Development Levy: GH¢300 (A contribution toward expanding student accommodation).
75th Anniversary Legacy Project: GH¢100 (A fee to fund a commemorative project for the university’s history).
Telecel Data Package: GH¢312 (A mandatory data bundle provided by a telecom partner).
SRC Welfare Dues: GH¢50 (General union dues).
Reprographic Fees: GH¢5 (Fees for administrative printing).

Total Third-Party Addition: GH¢767

When added to the core academic fee of approximately GH¢2,343 (estimated based on previous year’s base), the total reaches the reported GH¢3,110. This math confirms that the university’s base tuition has not risen by 25%, but the total cost of attendance has.

Postgraduate Implications

The fee hike is not limited to undergraduates. Graduate students, organized under GRASAG (Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana), face similar increases. The GRASAG levies include a Development Levy of GH¢250 and the Legacy Project fee of GH¢100. This totals GH¢385 in additional costs for postgraduate students, compounding the financial burden on those pursuing higher degrees.

Practical Advice

For students and parents facing these increased costs, navigating the financial requirements for the 2025/2026 academic year requires careful planning. Here are actionable steps to manage the situation:

1. Verify the Fee Breakdown

Before making payments, obtain the official fee schedule from the University of Ghana’s finance portal. Ensure you distinguish between the “Academic Facility User Fee” (paid to the university) and “SRC/GRASAG Levies” (paid to the student unions). This distinction is crucial if you plan to query specific charges.

2. Engage with Student Leadership

As advised by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Awandare, if you have issues with the specific levies—such as the GH¢300 Hostel Development Levy or the GH¢312 Data Package—your point of contact is the SRC or GRASAG leadership. These bodies have their own governance structures and budgets. Attend town hall meetings or write formal letters to the executives to voice concerns about the necessity or amount of these levies.

3. Budget for the Total Cost

While the hope may be that some levies are reduced, students should budget for the full reported amount (e.g., GH¢3,110 for fresh Humanities students) to ensure they are not turned away at registration. If the total is prohibitive, explore payment plans offered by the university’s financial aid office.

4. Seek Financial Aid

The University of Ghana offers various scholarship schemes and financial aid options for needy but brilliant students. If the 25% effective increase puts your education at risk, apply immediately to the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO). Ensure you have all necessary documentation, including proof of income and academic records.

FAQ

Why did my fees increase by over 25% if the University said they didn’t raise tuition?

The University of Ghana administration maintains that the “Academic Facility User Fee” has remained stable since 2022. The 25% increase in the total amount you pay is driven by “third-party levies” imposed by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and other student bodies to fund their specific activities and projects.

What is the SRC Hostel Development Levy?

This is a GH¢300 levy charged to undergraduate students. The funds are earmarked for the construction and development of new hostel facilities on campus to address accommodation shortages. It is collected by the SRC, not the central university administration.

Can I opt out of paying the Legacy Project or Data Package fees?

Generally, these levies are mandatory for all students within the association (undergraduate or postgraduate) to ensure the validity of the union’s budget. However, students who have issues with these specific charges are advised to take them up with their elected SRC or GRASAG leadership, as these are fees approved through student governance structures.

Has the core tuition fee at the University of Ghana changed?

No. According to Professor Gordon Awandare, the core academic fees have largely remained unchanged since 2022. The university has absorbed the rising costs of utilities and inflation for two years, keeping the base tuition “modest” relative to the economic climate.

What should I do if I cannot afford the total fee?

Students facing financial hardship should contact the University’s Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO). Additionally, it is recommended to speak with the SRC Welfare Directorate to see if any payment plans or waivers exist for the student union levies.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the University of Ghana’s 2025/2026 fees highlights the complex interplay between university administration and student governance. While the central university has maintained a freeze on core academic fees to support students amidst economic hardship, the cumulative effect of student-imposed levies has resulted in a significant financial jump for freshmen and returning students alike.

Transparency remains the key to resolving the current tension. By understanding the difference between tuition and third-party levies, students can better navigate their financial obligations and engage in constructive dialogue with their elected leaders to ensure that the costs of student activities are sustainable and justified.

Sources

Source: Citi News Interview with Professor Gordon Awandare (Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, University of Ghana).
Reference: University of Ghana 2025/2026 Fee Schedule (Provisional).
Context: Ghana Statistical Service (Inflation Data).