Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku has announced that a nationwide compliance exercise targeting hostel operators is underway across Ghana’s tertiary institutions.
This initiative follows mounting concerns regarding exploitative pricing, excessive advance rent demands, and arbitrary increases in accommodation fees.
The Commissioner noted that the Department acted upon a petition from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) dated April 23, 2026.
The petition urged authorities to intervene and enforce the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) in response to the rising cost of housing within university communities.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Opoku confirmed that inspections commenced on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
The initial phase focused on selected institutions in Accra, including the University of Ghana, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and Wisconsin International University College. He acknowledged that the issues raised fall squarely within the Department’s regulatory mandate and require urgent attention.
“From what we have gathered, the charges from the hostels are not only outrageous but exorbitant. The issues we have gathered hinge on arbitrary pricing, excessive advance rent demands, and non-compliance with tenancy procedures. These issues are of significant public interest and fall within the regulatory scope of the Rent Act. The Ghana Tourism Authority registers the hostel facilities; however, when it comes to pricing, charges, and increments, the Department is the one that deals with that.”
The inspection team is now heading to Kumasi to verify similar complaints and gather firsthand evidence from the ground.
Mr. Opoku announced that the Department will engage stakeholders to determine the way forward following these site visits.
He assured the public that once overpricing and unfair rent practices are confirmed, the Department will take firm action, including summoning hostel management and operators for sanctions.
He added that, through the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, rent issues would be addressed in a manner that provides relief to the public.
Addressing the pushback from property owners, Mr. Opoku remarked that it is ridiculous for hostel owners to claim authorities have no business regulating their pricing.
He emphasised that because the sector is regulated, operators cannot be allowed to price their facilities arbitrarily.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
