The University of Ghana, a prestigious institution located in Accra, offers its students a variety of accommodation options through its numerous Halls of Residence. Each hall, with its unique history and vibrant culture, contributes to the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of the university.
Whether you’re a prospective student seeking information or an alumnus reminiscing about your alma mater, this comprehensive list will serve as a valuable guide.
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Let’s embark on this historical journey through the Halls of Residence at the University of Ghana.
University of Ghana Halls of Residence
There are 16 halls of residences which are listed below.
- Legon Hall (males and females)
- Akuafo Hall (males and females)
- Commonwealth Hall (males only)
- Volta Hall (females only)
- Mensah Sarbah Hall (males and females)
- Bani Hall
- African Union Hall
- James Topp Nelson Yankah Hall
- Akuafo Hall Annexes C & D
- Mensah Sarbah Hall Annexes C & D
- Elizabeth Frances Sey Hall
- Jean Akah Hall
- Alex A. Kwapong Hall
- Hilla Liman Hall
- International Students Hall
- Jubilee Hall
Legon Hall
Legon Hall, the first hall established at the University of Ghana, is known as the Premier Hall of the University. It was built on the university’s permanent site at Legon, with construction beginning in 1951 and the first students moving in by September 1952.
The hall celebrates its anniversary every year on Trinity Sunday, with a feast for both Junior and Senior Members. The hall’s motto, Cui Datum, is taken from the Gospel of St. Luke, symbolizing the responsibility that comes with being the oldest hall.
The Vice Chancellor can assign Senior Members of the University as Fellows of the Hall, and they usually retain their Fellowship as long as they are with the University. Distinguished individuals outside the University can also be elected as Honorary Fellows.
In 1991, the hall transitioned into a mixed Hall of Residence. The male students in this hall are often referred to as the “Gentlemen of the University”. The rooms in the hall are typically shared by three students, with the senior student occupying the inner room alone.
Legon Hall’s rich history and vibrant culture have played a significant role in shaping the University of Ghana’s legacy. It continues to provide a home for students, fostering a sense of belonging and friendship.
Akuafo Hall
Akuafo Hall, also known as the Hall of Excellence, is the second residential hall established at the University of Ghana. It began operations in 1953 with Prof. D A. Taylor appointed as the Hall Master designate. The hall was named Akuafo, meaning “farmers”, to honor the significant contributions made by the farmers of the Gold Coast, who donated substantial amounts of money for the hall’s establishment.
The hall was officially inaugurated on October 4, 1955, by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister of Ghana. The first junior members of the hall received their room keys and officially moved in on October 5, 1955.
Akuafo Hall is celebrated for its rich culture and tradition. Its residents are commonly referred to as the “FARMERS”. The hall’s emblem, designed by Prof. L. H Ofosu-Appiah of the Department of classics, features a cocoa tree, an open book, and a drum with the hall’s motto, “Laboremus et sapiamus”, which translates to “Labour and wisdom” in English.
Commonwealth Hall
Commonwealth Hall, also known as the Hall of VANDALS, is a unique hall of residence at the University of Ghana. It’s the only all-male hall on campus and is renowned for its vibrant traditions and customs. The residents, referred to as VANDALS, embody the qualities of being Vivacious, Affable, Neighborly, Devoted, Altruistic, and Loyal. They address each other as V-MATES, responding with the term SHARP.
Commonwealth Hall was the third hall built at the university, following Legon Hall and Akuafo Hall. It stands out as the only hall in the university with a theatre and amphitheatre, used for lectures and plays. The hall’s Coat of Arms symbolizes the strength and unity of its members, derived from their shared experiences and associations.
Volta Hall
Volta Hall is a dormitory at the University of Ghana. It’s special because it was the first dormitory just for women. It was created during the 1959-60 school year. You can find the hall on J.K.M. Hodasi Rd, Accra, Ghana.
People know the women who live in Volta Hall for being neat and disciplined. Many successful women, like the first female Chief Justice Georgina Theodora-Wood, used to live here.
The hall’s motto is ‘Akokobere Nso Nyim Adekyee’. This means that women have the same right to knowledge and understanding of life and nature as men do.
Mensah Sarbah Hall
Mensah Sarbah Hall, opened in October 1963, is the newest of the five traditional dormitories at the University of Ghana. It was the first to allow both men and women to live there. The hall is named after John Mensah Sarbah, a lawyer and politician who had a big impact on Ghana’s politics.
The hall’s goal is to create a good environment for students to live and study in by providing high-quality facilities and services. Its vision is to be the top choice for students and visitors. The motto of the hall is ‘Knowledge, Honour, Service’.
People call the residents of Mensah Sarbah Hall Vikings. The hall is in the south part of the campus and has a main building and several annexes to the north and east.
International Student Hostels
The International Student Hostels are situated in the southern region of the campus, adjacent to the road leading to the Okponglo entrance. They stand directly across from Jubilee Hall. The construction of these hostels was aimed at fostering and solidifying connections with other universities, thereby boosting the presence of international students on campus.
African Union Hall
The African Union Hall, also known as Pentagon, is a living area at the University of Ghana. It’s in the north part of the campus and was built by the SSNIT. Both local and international students live here. People often call the residents ‘mama bees’ and ‘dada bees’
Bani Hall
Bani Hall, which was initially a private hostel known as Bani Hostel, became a hall after its lease with the University of Ghana ended. It’s in the north part of the campus. Both men and women students live there. Bani Hall is famous for its fashion night during their hall week celebration.
Evandy Hall
Evandy Hall, which used to be a hostel, became a hall after its lease with the University of Ghana ended. It’s in the north part of the campus. Both men and women students live there.
Evandy Hall is known for its variety of room options. You can choose from rooms for 4, 3, 2, or just for yourself. Some rooms even have a balcony and a small kitchen.
Jean Akah Hall
Jean Nelson Akah Hall, named after a former student, Jean Nelson Akah, was opened in July 2010. It’s in the north part of the campus. Both men and women students live there. The hall’s symbol is a candle, a book, and a pen, which stand for perseverance. The hall has 430 rooms that can house 1700 students.
Conclusion
University of Ghana offers a variety of Halls of Residence, each with its unique history and culture. In this article, we’ve explored the histories of the top three halls: Legon Hall, Akuafo Hall, and Commonwealth Hall.
For a comprehensive list and more detailed information about each hall, please visit the University of Ghana website.
Each hall contributes to the vibrant and diverse community at the University of Ghana, making it a truly unique place to live and learn.
