Some students of the University of Ghana and residents of Pent Hall are expressing outrage and disappointment following the release of revised hostel fees for the 2025/2026 academic year by Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL), the managers of Pentagon Hall (commonly known as Pent), one of the most sought-after private hostels on campus.
A document circulating online on July 18 confirms that accommodation at Pent has hit new highs, with a single room with air conditioning now costing GH₵40,329 for national students, while international students in the same category are expected to pay GH₵43,500.
These increases have sparked widespread criticism across social media platforms, with many Ghanaians questioning the justification for such exorbitant increments, especially in a country facing economic challenges.
When Ghana Weekend visited Pent Hall on July 18, some student residents expressed their disappointment but noted that they had no choice than to pay.
Gabby, a continuing student at the University and a resident of Pent, admitted that while the fees are outrageous, he wasn’t shocked.
“Since I came to this school from Level 100, every year they have increase the hall fee,” he said. “We always hope the increment won’t be so huge, but this year’s hike is very wide.”
Despite his frustration, Gabby said he and others have little choice but to stay and pay.
“I can’t afford to lose this space. Getting accommodation on campus is not easy, so if you get one and leave because of the price, someone else will gladly take it.”
Another resident, Bella, a Level 300 student, described the new rates as “very outrageous,” admitting she was shocked when she first saw them.
“I told my mom about it, and honestly, some of us struggle to get funds for these things. But we don’t have a choice—we can’t sleep outside.”
Bella added that the popularity of Pent makes it hard for students to walk away, even when prices rise.
“It’s not that we like Pent because it’s expensive. It’s just that Pent is attractive. No hall compares to it. Even if it’s costly, we still go for it.”
The revised fees also highlight a growing disparity between students from different financial backgrounds.
The newly approved hostel rates range from GH₵7,492 for a four-in-one room at Old Pent for national students to over GH₵40,000 for a single room with air conditioning. International students face even higher rates.
The GHL document notes that the fees cover utilities (water, ECG, and standby plant), a software management fee, and JCR dues.
As the debate continues, people are calling for greater regulation and fairness in the pricing of campus accommodation, especially in public universities like the University of Ghana.
With limited alternatives and an ever-growing demand for decent housing, students may have no option but to endure the financial strain.
