Acting Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has indicated that unauthorized rent increments by some hostels will be reversed following ongoing inspections aimed at ensuring compliance with the Rent Act, 1993 (Act 220).
The latest inspection, which included Vikings Hostel at the University of Ghana, forms part of measures triggered by a petition from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) over alleged non-compliance by some hostel operators.
Speaking during a media engagement, Mr. Opoku expressed concern over high hostel charges, questioning the pricing structure of some facilities. He cited cases where two students sharing a room are charged as much as GH¢10,000, describing the amount as outrageous.
“Two occupants in a room paying 10,000 Ghana cedis is outrageous,” he said, stressing that private ownership does not exempt any hostel from regulatory inspection.
He also referenced an earlier inspection at Supreme First Hostel at Okponglo, where four students in a room were charged GH¢4,800, with each student additionally paying GH¢200 for electricity. He described the situation as clear evidence of excessive pricing.
Frederick Opoku maintained that hostels found to have imposed unjustified increases will be compelled to reverse them, adding that some operators appear to assume rent regulations are not being enforced.
He further emphasized that all pricing structures will be reviewed, noting that registered facilities are expected to display their approved rates publicly.
“We will examine when they were established and the increment rates up to date. If they are registered, it should be clearly displayed on their premises. Two students paying 10,000 Ghana cedis is unacceptable, and we expect compliance going forward,” he stated.
He called for cooperation from hostel operators, adding that the Rent Control Department will engage stakeholders, including student leaders and operators, to address concerns and promote fairness in the rental system.
Mr. Opoku reaffirmed the department’s commitment to enforcing rent regulations without fear or favour, stressing that all identified illegal increments will be reversed after due process.
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Story by Benedicta Asante | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
