Central University Cost of Living Report – February 2026
Executive Summary
Location: Miotso, Accra
Date: February 2026
Food Prices
- Rice: GHS 5 per cup
- Full meal (rice + chicken + sides): ~GHS 25
- Waakye (Joe Sam’s): GHS 30
- Burgers: from GHS 15
- Shawarma: from GHS 50
Housing Costs
- Two-in-a-room (standard off-campus): from GHS 4,000+ per semester
- Starleys Hostel (single occupant in 2-in-room): GHS 3,650 per semester
Food: Daily Student Expenses
Food prices on campus reflect limited vendor competition. Only a few food vendors are officially allowed to operate within university premises. Vendors interviewed indicated that operational costs and institutional charges may influence final meal pricing.
A basic meal during the day starts at GHS 5 per cup of rice. A balanced serving including chicken, stew and coleslaw typically costs around GHS 25.
At night, a small food hub operates near Pronto Girls’ Hostel, offering cooked meals such as waakye, noodles and salads. Joe Sam’s waakye currently starts at GHS 30 per pack, including chicken, salad, spaghetti and shito.
Snack pricing observed:
- Burgers: from GHS 15
- Shawarma: from GHS 50
Several students reported that cooking in hostels is often a cost-saving strategy.
“It’s expensive, so I prefer to cook in the hostel most of the time.” – Level 200 Student
“If you eat outside every day, it adds up quickly.” – Level 300 Student
Housing: Semester Accommodation Costs
Accommodation remains one of the largest expenses for students.
On-campus options are limited (Pronto Girls Hostel, ICGC Boys Hostel, Old Girls Hostel). Many students opt for nearby private hostels within walking distance of campus.
Observed pricing:
- Two-in-a-room (standard facilities): from GHS 4,000+ per semester
- Starleys Hostel (two-in-a-room, single occupant pricing): GHS 3,650 per semester
Pricing varies depending on amenities such as air conditioning and backup power supply.
Academic Facilities & Campus Structure
Classroom allocation operates on a rotational system. With the exception of the School of Pharmacy block, departments do not have permanently assigned classroom buildings. Students attend lectures based on timetable allocation.
Library services are decentralized into specialized units:
- Law Library
- Business Library
- Science Library
Each facility is aligned with specific academic programmes.
Events & Recreation
As a Christian institution, religious activities are frequent and often hosted at Trinity Hall.
The Student Representative Council organizes annual events such as Artists Night and SRC Week, featuring exhibitions, games and live performances.
Recreational facilities include a soccer field and basketball court used for departmental competitions and social activities.
Final Observation
Based on field observations and student interviews, the average student at Central University in 2026 should expect:
- Around GHS 25 per basic meal
- At least GHS 4,000 per semester for shared accommodation
Food and housing remain the two primary financial pressures for students.
This report is part of our ongoing effort to document the real cost of student life across Ghanaian universities.