Government has set up a committee to address concerns over rising hostel fees in tertiary institutions across the country.

The committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and university authorities.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, announced this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the governing councils for Jasikan College of Education and the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences in Accra.

He said consultations were ongoing among committee members to find an amicable and sustainable solution to the impasse.

Mr Iddrisu expressed concern about increasing hostel fees and stated that private participation in student accommodation should not lead to exploitation.

He explained that while government welcomed private collaboration in developing educational infrastructure, such arrangements must operate within safeguards that protect students and uphold the public interest.

The Minister said that government remained committed to ensuring a socially responsible approach in the provision of public goods, especially within the educational space.

Inaugurating the Interim Council of the newly established University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences at Bonsu, Mr Iddrisu said the move would expand access to higher education and promote specialised training in engineering and agriculture.

He urged members of the Council to work assiduously to ensure the smooth and timely take-off of the institution, noting that admission of the first batch of 800 students was expected in October 2026.

The Minister said the University would have key infrastructure projects to support operations, including accommodation facilities for staff and students, and improved internet connectivity.

He announced that financial clearance had been approved by the Ministry of Finance for the recruitment of 150 faculty and staff members.

The University, located at Bonsu in the Eastern Region, was established at a cost of $90 million and is expected to admit its first batch of students in October 2026.

Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, Governing Chairman of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, pledged to live up to expectations and provide solutions to strengthen the institution.

Nana Dr Norbert Adja Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the Governing Council of Jasikan College of Education, commended government for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work to meet the mandate of the council.