University of Ghana clarifies 15% academic user fees increase

The University of Ghana after the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) condemned it for charging fees above the 15% increment announced by Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has said the upward adjustment in academic user fees is legal.

NUGS in a statement copied to AcademicWeek.com said some six public institutions including the University of Ghana and Kumasi-based Kwame Nkruma University of Science and Technology were charging fees not approved by GTEC.

“The university of Ghana has increased AFUF in some departments, well over 40% to make matters worse, they have increased RFUF by over 70% and in some situations 100%. They are leading the charge of the illegalities,” it stated.

But reacting to the Union’s claim, the management of Legon University has said the adjustment of fees is based on rates approved by Parliament and communicated through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

“On 21st December 2022, the University received a letter from GTEC dated 16th December 2022, communicating that Parliament had approved an upward review of academic fees by “…15% of the last approved rates

In line with this, the University of Ghana (UG0 has adjusted fees for the 2022/2023 academic year upwards by 15% based on the gazetted approved fees for the 2019/2020 academic year.

Management, therefore, assures students, parents, and all stakeholders that fees charged for the 2022/2023 academic year are legal and duly based on approved fee levels as authorized by Parliament,” UG said in a press release.

Citing the worsening economic situation of the country, the authorities of the University of Ghana said it has provided flexible fee payment terms for prospective students of the Legon-based tertiary institution to lessen their burden.

“The University recognizes the current difficult economic situation in the country, and as such has provided flexible fee payment terms for students

For example, students are allowed to register for the first semester upon payment of 50% of their academic facility user fees, with the remaining amount due in the second semester

Additionally, students with genuine financial difficulties are encouraged to apply to access support through the University’s Students Financial Aid Office,” the management of the University of Ghana noted in the press statement.

It added that “we will continue to dialogue with student leaders, the general student body, parents and guardians, and all stakeholders for a better understanding and appreciation of all matters that concern the welfare of stakeholders of the University.”