KNUST students protest high hostel fees, demand urgent government intervention

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) students raised strong concerns over exorbitant private hostel fees after performing at the 2026 National Youth Conference organized by the National Youth Authority at KNUST. They warned that soaring accommodation costs are placing severe financial pressure on students and their families and could affect their education. Students brandished placards with messages including "Reduce hostel fees now!", "We came to learn, not to sleep, #Reduce hostel prices," and "Hostel fees are now more expensive than our school fees, why? #KNUST students deserve better."

Obrane, a final-year Agricultural Engineering student and morale group leader, spoke on behalf of the students, stating, "Everybody wants their children to enrol in university; if the hostel prices are more expensive than the university school fees, then it's unfortunate." Obrane also expressed concern that private hostel owners were allegedly disregarding regulatory guidance despite interventions by the Rent Control Department. The concerns prompted an immediate response from the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo.