Rising accommodation costs have overtaken tuition as the biggest financial burden facing tertiary students in Ghana, according to the National Union of Ghana Students.

NUGS president Rashid Ibrahim said on theAsaase Breakfast Showon Wednesday (13 May) that escalating hostel fees are placing severe pressure on students and their families, with some paying several times their academic fees just to secure accommodation.

“The focus has shifted from school fees to hostel fees,” he said.

He warned that the situation is contributing to inequality in access to education, with some students at risk of being priced out of school altogether.

The union also raised concerns about practices such as dollar-denominated rent, although Ibrahim noted that such cases affect a smaller segment of students.

“We do not expect rent in Ghana to be charged in foreign currency,” he said, adding that authorities are engaging the Bank of Ghana to curb the practice.

Beyond accommodation, Ibrahim said broader cost-of-living pressures remain a concern, but described housing as the most urgent challenge.

He also questioned whether existing student loan schemes adequately reflect current living costs, noting that they primarily cover tuition rather than accommodation.

“The loan system does not fully address housing challenges,” he said.

The union is advocating for student housing to be treated as a national development priority, including the introduction of a dedicated housing policy for tertiary students.

“It is about time we prioritise student housing as part of national development,” Ibrahim said.

He further urged private hostel operators to moderate pricing and comply with legal requirements, warning that excessive charges could trigger unrest among students.