The Rent Control Department has explained that its ongoing action against unlawful hostel fee hikes is intended to promote fairness and safeguard students.
Speaking to the media, Acting Rent Commissioner Fredrick Opoku stated that the exercise is part of their efforts to tackle the increasing cost of student accommodation and reduce the financial pressure on students and their families.
Mr. Opoku noted that the intervention is being carried out through stakeholder engagement and proper assessments, rather than forceful or arbitrary enforcement.
He explained that the department is focused on working closely with hostel owners to ensure accommodation fees align with existing regulations while remaining fair to both operators and tenants.
According to him, the growing burden of hostel costs has placed significant pressure on students and parents nationwide, making it necessary for government to step in with a structured solution. He stressed that the process would be handled systematically through dialogue and collaboration, not intimidation or aggressive tactics.
Mr. Opoku further revealed that the ongoing assessment exercise will continue across the country until the end of the year, after which the department will strengthen monitoring of hostel charges. He also advised hostel operators to seek guidance from the Rent Control Department before implementing any future fee adjustments to avoid arbitrary pricing.
Mr. Opoku stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as an attack on private businesses, but rather as a collective effort to create a fairer housing system that benefits all stakeholders.
He noted that landlords, property owners, tenants, and students all stand to gain if the measures are implemented effectively.
His remarks follow surprise inspections carried out at hostels around the University of Professional Studies, Accra and University of Ghana over alleged unlawful fee increases. The exercise, which began on Wednesday, May 6, forms part of the department’s efforts to address concerns about rising student accommodation costs.
