Accra, Sept 4, GNA - Authorities of the University of Ghana (UG) have announced that it would embark on a decongestion exercise to ensure that not more than three students occupy a room in the halls of residence.

The exercise, which would begin next academic year, is to reduce the pressure on the structures, most of which, have almost outlived their guaranteed durability state.

Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor of UG, announced this in his maiden matriculation speech as the Vice-Chancellor of the UG, for the 2010/2011 academic year.

Out of 16,297 students who applied to study at the university, only 7,800 were admitted to pursue various Diploma, Degree and Post-Graduate programmes.

Prof. Aryeetey said the decongestion would also ensure the safety of students and prevent the spread of diseases amongst them. He said officially, only five students were allowed to share a room at the UG's halls of residence but this was being flouted. He warned that students who engage in bed-selling would be appropriately sanctioned.

Professor Aryeetey said the UG, realizing the consequences of the decongestion exercise, had put together a consortium of banks to fund massive infrastructural developments to solve the accommodation needs of students.

He said the university also impressed on hostel accommodation providers to reduce their charges to make the facility affordable for students.

He entreated students to respect the rules and regulations of the university, adding, any student who flouts the laws would not be spared. "It is the duty of the university to change you, and not yours to change the university," Professor Aryeetey told the matriculants. Caption for pictures:

642: Pro. Ernest Aryeetey, the Vice-Chancellor's University of Ghana, addressing the matriculation. 637: Mrs. Abigail Beduwaa Mensah, new student of University of Ghana signing the matricula.