We will close down illegal hostels - Rent Commissioner warns operators [Audio]

Frederick Opoku, Acting Rent Commissioner, warned hostel operators that "We are coming with the Ghana Tourism Authority to close down those that are not regulated." This follows a nationwide compliance exercise targeting hostel operators across Ghana's tertiary institutions. The Rent Control Department is responding to growing complaints about exploitative pricing, excessive rent advances, and arbitrary fee increases.

Inspections revealed "worrying living conditions" in some hostels. Some rooms measuring about 14 by 6 feet accommodate as many as four students, with fees ranging between GH¢3,000 and GH¢8,000 per semester. Mr. Opoku stated, "Four students in a room paying GH¢6,000, GH¢3,000, and even GH¢8,000 per semester - that is outrageous." He also said that many hostel operators failed to respond when asked about assessment and evaluation of their facilities.

Mr. Opoku clarified that no sanctions have yet been applied, but discussions are ongoing with operators. He told them to meet so they can talk and get more information on how they charge. He warned that unregulated hostel operations would not be tolerated and that enforcement action could follow in collaboration with other state agencies. The move follows a petition from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) dated April 23, 2026, calling on authorities to enforce the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220).