Management of Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL) has called on the Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, to render an immediate and unqualified apology for what it described as “unfortunate remarks” capable of creating public misunderstanding regarding accommodation fees at Pent Hostel during a recent media engagement.
In a statement released on May 13, 2026, the hostel management body described comments made by the Acting Rent Commissioner on Hitz FM as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that the figures cited do not reflect the hostel’s approved pricing structure.
“The Management of Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL) has taken note of comments made by the Acting Rent Commissioner, Mr Frederick Opoku, on Hitz FM concerning rent charges at Pentagon Hostel on the University of Ghana campus, Legon.
“Accordingly, Management of GHL expects an immediate and unqualified apology from the Acting Rent Commissioner for the unfortunate remarks made during the programme,” portions of the statement read.
Clarifying the accommodation charges, GHL stated that the cost per academic year for rooms allocated to four students at Old Pent and New Pent is GH¢7,392.00 and GH¢8,876.00 respectively, excluding water, electricity quota, and JCR dues of GH¢100.00.
“For clarity, the standard accommodation at Pentagon Hostel for four students in a room, at a total academic year cost of GH¢7,392.00 and GH¢8,876.00 for Old Pent and New Pent respectively per student, translates into approximately GH¢821.33 and GH¢986.22 per month respectively. This amount excludes water, electricity quota, and JCR dues of GH¢100.00, which is remitted to the JCR,” the statement explained.
The hostel management body further debunked claims of a GH¢28,000 accommodation charge referenced by the Acting Rent Commissioner during the Hitz FM programme. It explained that premium rooms with additional amenities are optional and occupied by only a small number of students.
“With respect to the GH¢28,000 figure referenced during the programme, no such rate appears in the pricing structure of the hostel. However, it is important to note that there is a limited category of premium rooms fitted with additional amenities such as air conditioning and, in some cases, queen-size beds. These rooms constitute less than 5% of the total number of rooms at the hostel. They are mostly patronised by a limited number of students who request the extra features offered strictly as optional accommodation choices,” the statement noted.
The statement also corrected what it described as a misrepresentation of the billing system, stressing that accommodation fees are charged per academic year and not per semester, as suggested during the programme.
Ghana Hostels Limited reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with stakeholders on matters concerning student accommodation and issues of national interest.
—
Story by Oliver Arthur Acorlor | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
