The Rent Control Department has announced a nationwide compliance exercise targeting hostel operators across tertiary institutions, following mounting concerns over what it describes as exploitative pricing, high advance rent demands, and arbitrary increases in accommodation fees.
The move follows a formal petition submitted by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) on April 23, 2026, urging authorities to enforce the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) amid rising complaints about the cost of student housing in university areas.
Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku said inspections will begin on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to check whether hostel operators are complying with the Rent Act.
He added that the first phase will cover selected institutions in Accra, including the University of Ghana, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and Wisconsin International University College.
“At this stage, what we have are allegations, and we must treat them as such until we establish the facts,” he said. “That is why we are going into the institutions ourselves to engage both students and hostel operators and ascertain the true situation.”
He further noted that the Ministry of Education, led by Haruna Iddrisu, will be engaged to support broader interventions, including possible measures to reduce hostel fees where necessary.
“We will not hesitate to escalate the matter. If the findings confirm violations, we will summon the operators and also petition the Minister of Education to step in to ensure corrective action, including possible reductions,” he said.
Mr. Opoku stated that if investigations confirm claims of overpricing and unfair practices, the Department will take firm action, including summoning hostel operators to face sanctions.
—
Story by Holy Mavo | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
