At least three students of Tamale Technical University (TaTU) were injured on Tuesday when a protest over fee hikes and worsening campus conditions turned violent.

The demonstration, which began peacefully on the university campus, quickly spiralled into chaos as frustrated students clashed with security personnel while demanding better facilities and accountability from university management.

Eyewitnesses reported that two students sustained head injuries while another suffered a leg injury during the confrontation. The injured were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Rising Anger Over Fees and Decaying Facilities

The students’ grievances centre on years of fee payments, particularly a “developmental levy”, without any visible improvements on campus.

Mahamudu Musah, Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), accused the university leadership of failing its students.

“We are hitting the street to demand accountability and developmental projects from management,” Musah declared.
“Over the years, students have paid their fees, including a developmental levy, but there hasn’t been a single project on this campus initiated by management.”

Alongside the financial concerns, students highlighted dire sanitation problems on campus. Many said the lack of proper washrooms has forced them to resort to unsafe practices, including open defecation.

“Sanitation is a challenge that students face. Open defecation is at an alarming rate,” said one protester.
“Lecturers sometimes have to close classes early because of the stench from nearby washrooms. This is unacceptable in a tertiary institution.”

Escalation and Injuries

The situation escalated when students attempted to block access roads near the university, prompting intervention from security forces. The standoff led to scuffles, during which the injuries occurred.

Witnesses said some students were beaten while others fell as they tried to flee the chaos.

Despite the injuries, protest leaders vowed to continue pressing for answers, demanding that management provide a full account of how funds collected over the years have been used.

Calls for Urgent Action

Students are now calling on the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to intervene, warning that tensions will rise further if their concerns remain unaddressed.

“We will not stop until there is transparency and real development on our campus,” a protest leader stated.

University authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.