The Rent Control Department has launched a nationwide inspection exercise targeting hostels accused of charging exorbitant accommodation fees across tertiary institutions in Ghana.
The exercise, which begins this week, is aimed at engaging hostel operators and addressing growing concerns from students over the sharp increase in accommodation charges.
The Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, says the move follows numerous complaints from students and parents who say hostel fees have become unbearable. According to him, some operators are allegedly violating provisions of the Rent Act by imposing arbitrary charges and demanding illegal advance payments from students.
Speaking on the exercise, Mr. Opoku explained that the inspections will focus on ensuring compliance with rental regulations while also creating awareness among students and hostel owners about their rights and obligations under the law.
Institutions expected to be covered under the exercise include the University of Ghana, the University of Professional Studies Accra, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and other tertiary institutions across the country.
The development comes amid increasing pressure from student groups for authorities to intervene in what they describe as exploitative accommodation pricing. Some students say the rising cost of hostel facilities is making tertiary education increasingly difficult for many families.
The Rent Control Department says it will continue engaging stakeholders and may recommend sanctions against facility owners found flouting the law.
