The government has constituted a high-level committee made up of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and university authorities to address growing concerns over rising hostel accommodation fees nationwide.

The move comes amid increasing public complaints from students and parents over the cost of accommodation in tertiary institutions across the country.

Speaking during the inauguration of governing councils for the Jasikan College of Education and the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences on Tuesday, May 11, the Education Minister said the government is determined to ensure that private sector participation in hostel development does not lead to exploitative pricing.

According to the minister, consultations are currently ongoing between the Ministry of Education, GTEC, and vice-chancellors of various universities to find an amicable and sustainable solution to the issue.

He stressed that while the government welcomes private investment in educational infrastructure, such partnerships must operate within socially responsible guidelines that protect students and the broader public interest.

“The government will not allow private partnerships in education infrastructure to function without safeguards,” the minister indicated, adding that social values and public concerns must remain central to the delivery of educational services.

He further assured Ghanaians that government policy on public goods and services, including student accommodation, would continue to reflect fairness, accessibility, and social responsibility.

Meanwhile, the minister announced that the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences is expected to admit its first batch of about 800 students by October this year.

He also disclosed that the government is considering the establishment of additional public universities across the country, including one in the Western North Region.

According to him, proposals for the creation of new public universities would be submitted to the president and relevant state authorities for policy consideration through the appropriate channels.

The minister further assured residents of the Western North Region that the area remains part of government’s long-term plans to expand access to higher education infrastructure nationwide.