Businessman and former military officer, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has painted a vivid and almost unbelievable picture of campus life during his time at the University of Ghana, Legon—complete with lifts in hostels, gourmet cafeteria meals, and even a monthly allowance for being a student.
In a nostalgic conversation with broadcaster Kafui Dey, Amoabeng recalled a time when being a university student came with both comfort and prestige.
“There used to be lifts working 24/7,” he said, referring to the hostels. “And you had three square meals with options.
You could say, ‘I don’t like yam and parasol, I want salad and chicken… or banku,’ and they would serve it.”
When Kafui asked if these meals were served in a restaurant, Amoabeng clarified, “Cafeteria. Three meals, free.
After eating, there was ice cream. Then when you come down, there’s tea or coffee — tea with milk, tea without milk. You just press, fill your flask, take your sugar and go.”
But what really left many speechless was the revelation that students were paid a monthly allowance just for being in the university.
“Apart from everything being free, you were paid — and the money wasn’t small,” Amoabeng said. “We called it ‘millions.’ Your millions have arrived!”
He explained that students received about 100 cedis a year, split across the three terms — 34 cedis in the first and second terms, and 32 in the third. At the time, that money went a long way.
“With 1 cedi, I’d charter a taxi from campus straight to Continental Hotel — now Lancaster,” he said, highlighting just how far the allowance could stretch.
