A representative of the Rent Control Department, Mr. Fredrick Opoku, has intensified efforts to address rising concerns over exorbitant hostel charges across universities in the country.
The move follows complaints from students about persistent price hikes and alleged exploitation by some private hostel operators.
In response to the grievances, the Rent Commissioner embarked on inspection visits to several hostels to assess conditions and verify reports of non-compliance within the sector.
According to Mr. Opoku, findings from the inspections were “appalling and unacceptable.” He cited St. Theresa’s Hostel at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as one of the facilities that allegedly failed to comply with a closure directive issued by tourism authorities.
He explained that management of some hostels failed to meet requirements under the relevant legislative instruments governing accommodation, food, beverages, entertainment, and the issuance of rent cards to occupants. As a result, some facilities have reportedly been shut down.
The inspections come on the back of recent public outcry by university students over increasing hostel fees, an issue that was highlighted on the Home Owner Show on Metro TV.
Mr. Opoku has since directed all hostel operators and landlords to issue rent cards to occupants within seven days.
“It is mandatory for every hostel operator to issue rent cards to student occupants within seven days,” he stated.
He further recalled that upon assuming office, he issued a nationwide directive requiring landlords to obtain and issue rent cards to tenants.
“Many landlords complied by visiting the agency to collect the rent cards,” he said, while encouraging property owners who are yet to comply to do so immediately.
By: Martha Seyram Jackson | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
