The Acting Rent Commissioner, Mr Frederick Opoku, has expressed concern over what he describes as exorbitant accommodation fees charged by private hostel operators across the country, particularly within tertiary institutions.
He said it was “mind-boggling” how some operators arrive at their pricing, stressing the need for fairness and equity across the rental sector.
Mr Opoku made the remarks in an interview on the Home Owner Show on Metro TV on Saturday, May 9, 2026, hosted by Hanna Atiase.
The discussion followed an earlier episode of the programme that featured the President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Mr Rashid Ibrahim, who highlighted student grievances over acute accommodation challenges, with private hostels cited as a major contributor to rising costs.
According to the Rent Commissioner, his office has received a petition from NUGS and is treating the matter with urgency.
“We have been petitioned by NUGS, and we are mandated to act swiftly in addressing these concerns,” he stated.
He noted that government, through the Rent Control Department and the Presidency, is concerned about accommodation pricing in the country and is working towards regulatory measures to address the situation.
Mr Opoku assured stakeholders that reforms under the government’s “resetting agenda” will cover all rental sectors, including student accommodation.
“I assure Ghanaian parents and all stakeholders that the resetting agenda of the President includes all rental sectors, and the accommodation challenges in our universities will be addressed sooner than later,” he said.
He further cautioned hostel operators against arbitrary price increases, stressing that such actions must be guided by law.
“No hostel operator has the sole right to increase fees without recourse to the Rent Control Department. Operators must desist from exploiting students and stakeholders,” he warned.
Mr Opoku reaffirmed his office’s commitment to ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting fairness across the rental market.
By: Martha Seyram Jackson | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
