Upon admission to the University of Ghana, nearly every fresher wants to obtain student accommodation on campus. However, this is not possible given the number of students, which is greater than the available rooms in the various halls of residence.
This is purely an economic situation of demand outweighing supply; hence, the university opted for a more scientific and unbias way of allocating rooms in the various halls.
To ensure fairness, the University of Ghana’s accommodation is assigned to students through a randomized system. To qualify for the chance to apply for accommodation on campus, a student must pay at least 50% of the main fees.
You have to pay at least 50% of your fees to be able to opt in for this service, or you may not have the chance to apply for an on-campus residence.
However, students who do not gain accommodation on campus, thus the main campus halls, may have to look for accommodation in hostels on and off campus.
Students interested in gaining accommodation on campus must also note that the rooms available in the various halls can disappear or get booked by other students within 10 minutes of the opening of the portal. Hence, if you want accommodation in a traditional hall on campus, start applying for the rooms as soon as the portal is opened.
Any delay will mean no room on campus in any of the traditional halls of residence.
A brief history of traditional halls of residence at the Univerity of Ghana
The traditional halls of residence at the University of Ghana hold a rich and vibrant history, interwoven with the evolution of the university itself. These halls, established in the early years, have nurtured generations of students, shaping their academic and social experiences. Here’s a brief glimpse into their past:
1. Legon Hall (1950): The “premier hall,” as it’s fondly called, opened its doors in 1950 as the first hall of residence. Its construction symbolized the birth of the University College of the Gold Coast, now the University of Ghana. Designed by Maxwell Fry, its distinctive architecture evokes both Ghanaian and modernist influences.
2. Akuafo Hall (1953): This hall, opened three years later, stands out for its unique link to Ghanaian farmers. Funded by contributions from the Cocoa Marketing Board, it was named “Akuafo” (farmers) and served as a symbol of their support for higher education. The hall’s motto, “Laboremus et Sapiamus” (Let us work and be wise), reflects this connection.
3. Commonwealth Hall (1958): Originally named “University Hall,” this hall was renamed in 1961 to acknowledge Ghana’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. It housed students from various African countries, fostering a sense of pan-African solidarity. Its motto, “Truth Stands,” resonates with the values of integrity and academic excellence.
4. Mensah Sarbah Hall (1963): Named after Dr. J. B. Mensah Sarbah, a Ghanaian scholar and nationalist, this hall holds the distinction of being the first mixed hall on campus. Its vibrant culture celebrates diversity and inclusion, living up to its motto, “Cui Multum Datum” (To whom much is given).
5. Volta Hall (1966): Situated beside the Volta River, this hall was built to accommodate the increasing student population. Its name pays homage to Ghana’s Volta River Authority, the driving force behind the Akosombo Dam project. The hall’s motto, “Fortis Fortuna Adjuvat” (Fortune favors the brave), reflects resilience and determination.
These traditional halls represent not just places of residence, but cultural hubs that have shaped the university’s social and intellectual fabric. From vibrant hall weeks to intellectual debates, they’ve provided a nurturing environment for students to grow, learn, and form lifelong bonds. Their unique histories continue to inspire and influence campus life at the University of Ghana.
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This is just a brief overview, and each hall has its own fascinating stories and traditions waiting to be explored. If you’d like to delve deeper into a specific hall or aspect of their history, I’d be happy to provide more information.
The Ghana Education News Editorial Team is a specialized collective of education researchers, journalists, and policy analysts dedicated to providing high-fidelity reporting on the Ghanaian academic landscape. Serving as a primary bridge between governing bodies—including the Ghana Education Service (GES) and WAEC—and the public, the team leverages over a decade of combined experience to serve students, parents, and educators nationwide.
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