The Acting Rent Commissioner, Mr Frederick Opoku, has stated that no private hostel operator in Ghana has the authority to independently increase accommodation fees without approval from the Rent Control Department.
He said any unilateral adjustment of hostel charges outside regulatory oversight is unacceptable and contrary to established rental regulations.
Mr Opoku made the comment in an interview on the Home Owner Show on Metro TV on Saturday, May 9, 2026, hosted by Hanna Atiase, where concerns over rising hostel fees across tertiary institutions were discussed.
He described the current pricing of some private hostels as excessive and “mind-boggling,” particularly at a time when students are already struggling with limited accommodation options.
According to him, his office has received a petition from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and is treating the matter with urgency in collaboration with relevant state institutions.
He noted that government, through the Rent Control Department and the Presidency, is actively reviewing accommodation pricing structures within the tertiary education space as part of broader reforms under the “resetting agenda.”
Mr Opoku stressed that Ghana operates under the rule of law, and all property and hostel operators are expected to comply with regulatory frameworks governing rent and accommodation charges.
He further cautioned hostel operators against exploiting students, insisting that fairness and accountability must guide pricing decisions in the sector.
He assured the public that measures are being put in place to ensure fair equity across the rental system, particularly in student accommodation nationwide.
By: Martha Seyram Jackson | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
