Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has proposed a framework to regulate annual increases in accommodation charges at public universities, suggesting adjustments of between five and 10 per cent, guided by prevailing inflation rates.
The proposal seeks to make accommodation costs more predictable for students while curbing excessive rent increases across the country.
Speaking in a media interview, Mr Iddrisu called for the establishment of a committee to assess university accommodation charges and recommend permissible annual increases to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson under the Fees and Charges Act.
“We do not support exorbitant rent prices being charged across the country,” he said.
“It is my view that we should constitute a committee to advise the Minister of Finance before he proceeds with the Fees and Charges Act on what percentage increase is permissible each year.”
The Education Minister said prevailing economic conditions, particularly inflation, should guide any adjustments to accommodation fees.
“We can say, for instance, take inflation as a guide, 5 to 10 per cent increase annually,” he added.
The proposed committee would be responsible for examining accommodation costs and recommending an appropriate benchmark for annual increases, with the aim of preventing arbitrary or disproportionate adjustments.
If adopted, the framework could provide greater predictability for students and their families when planning for accommodation expenses at public universities.
However, the proposed five to 10 per cent range remains a suggestion by the Minister and has not been approved as an official cap on annual accommodation fee increases.
