Vendors at the University of Ghana’s Bush Canteen are expressing deep frustration over an extended semester break that has left their businesses struggling to stay afloat.
The university officially closed for the Second Semester of the 2024/2025 academic year, with continuing students expected to return on January 2, 2026, and freshers on January 18. This marks the second prolonged academic break within the year, compounding vendors’ financial difficulties.
Many vendors say the timing is particularly harsh, as they had just paid full rent before students vacated the campus. The absence of distance learners, who previously spent several weeks on campus for lectures, has further worsened the downturn in business.
“The market has been poor since the students left,” one vendor told Univers Business. “Distance students now come for just two days—Saturday and Sunday. From Monday to Friday, it’s very, very poor.”
Another vendor added, “After collecting 100 per cent rent from us, we’ve only had one month of business before the break. Now the students are gone, and we are suffering. We plead with the authorities to intervene.”
Several vendors echoed similar concerns, noting that while weekend visits from distance learners bring temporary relief, the short duration of their stays cannot sustain their operations.
“Previously, when distance students were on campus for weeks, it helped balance things out. Now they only come on Saturdays, and that’s not enough to keep the business running,” one vendor explained. “Whether or not we make sales, we still have to pay our workers.”
Despite the difficult situation, some vendors remain cautiously optimistic.
“It’s not too bad—we’re trying to manage,” one food vendor shared. “Last Saturday, distance students came in their numbers, which helped. We’re hopeful the trend continues.”
Vendors are now urging university authorities to consider their livelihoods when planning academic calendars, especially regarding the length and timing of semester breaks.
