The Rent Control Department has intensified efforts to clamp down on excessive hostel accommodation charges around the University of Cape Coast (UCC), amid growing complaints from students and parents over rising rent costs and alleged exploitation by some hostel operators.
The exercise forms part of a nationwide enforcement drive being spearheaded by the Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, aimed at ensuring compliance with Ghana’s rent laws and protecting tenants from arbitrary charges, illegal rent advances and unregulated tenancy arrangements.
During a recent visit to Cape Coast, officials from the Rent Control Department engaged hostel owners and operators around the university enclave to assess compliance levels and educate stakeholders on the provisions of Ghana’s rent regulations.
According to the Acting Rent Commissioner, the department is determined to restore sanity within the student accommodation sector by ensuring that all hostel operators subject themselves to lawful assessment and regulation.
Mr. Opoku explained that although private investors have contributed significantly to solving accommodation deficits in tertiary institutions, hostel operators must still comply with the laws governing rent and tenancy in Ghana.
“We are enforcing the housing laws by stopping exploitation, arbitrary price increases and illegal rent advances. Every landlord or hostel operator must subject themselves to the laws of Ghana,” he stressed.
As part of the exercise, the Commissioner held a phone conversation with the owner of Map Lanes Hostel near UCC, during which he sought to invite the proprietor to a stakeholder engagement expected to be held in Accra, with both physical and virtual participation options.
During the discussion, the hostel owner confirmed that the facility was registered with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other relevant institutions.
However, the Acting Commissioner clarified that registration with the Tourism Authority does not exempt hostel operators from Rent Control regulations.
“We at the Rent Control Department will determine and assess the appropriate rent charges under the law, not the Tourism Authority,” Mr. Opoku stated during the conversation.
The exchange became tense after the hostel owner argued that private hostel operators were filling a gap created by inadequate government accommodation for students.
According to the proprietor, private investors had used their own resources to provide accommodation facilities for students at a time government infrastructure remained insufficient.
However, Mr. Opoku described parts of the comments as disrespectful to government and insisted that regardless of personal opinions, hostel operators must obey the laws governing the rental sector.
He repeatedly stressed that hostel facilities operating around UCC and other tertiary institutions would be assessed under the Rent Act to determine appropriate pricing structures and ensure fairness to students.
The Acting Commissioner further warned that the department would not hesitate to sanction operators who fail to comply with the law or attempt to exploit students through unapproved charges and unlawful tenancy practices.
The Rent Control Department’s intervention follows mounting public concerns over escalating hostel fees in tertiary institutions across the country, with many students complaining about unaffordable accommodation costs, huge advance payments and poor tenancy conditions.
Stakeholder engagements are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the department pushes for stricter regulation of private hostels and rental facilities operating within university communities.
The exercise is also expected to involve collaboration with local authorities, security agencies and university managements to ensure compliance and protect the welfare of students seeking accommodation.
By 1960news.com
