The government has inaugurated a committee made up of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and university authorities to tackle growing concerns over rising hostel accommodation fees in tertiary institutions across the country.

Speaking during the inauguration of governing councils for Jasikan College of Education and the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences on Tuesday, May 11, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu expressed concern about increasing hostel charges and warned that private participation in student accommodation must not lead to exploitation.

According to the minister, consultations are 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 government welcomes private partnerships in the development of educational infrastructure, such arrangements must operate within safeguards that protect students and uphold the public interest.

The minister further indicated that government remains committed to ensuring a socially responsible approach in the provision of public goods, especially within the education sector.

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

He also disclosed that 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 more universities will be submitted to the president and government through the appropriate channels for policy direction.

He assured residents of the Western North Region that they remain part of government’s plans to expand higher education infrastructure nationwide.