Frederick Opoku, the Rent Control Commissioner, has vowed to clamp down on what he describes as unfair and unlawful hostel rent increments across the country, especially in student communities.
Speaking on ongoing investigations into hostel accommodation charges at Kessben Maakye show, Mr. Opoku revealed that his office received a petition concerning excessive hostel rent hikes, prompting immediate action under the Rent Act 220.
According to him, the Rent Control Department launched investigations to ascertain the facts and gather first-hand information from both students and hostel managements.
“We had to investigate, verify the claims and take action. I personally interacted with students and hostel operators to understand the situation on the ground,” he stated.
The Commissioner disclosed that some hostels failed to provide valid registration certificates during the inspection exercise, stressing that every hostel facility must be properly registered and assessed under the law.
He further alleged that some hostel operators were charging as high as GH¢8,000 per head for a four-in-a-room accommodation arrangement, describing the practice as exploitative and unacceptable.
“My interest is to regulate rent fees that are being increased arbitrarily. The law demands issuance of rent cards to regulate increments and evictions,” he emphasized.
Mr. Opoku defended his enforcement actions, insisting that the Rent Control Department is only carrying out its lawful mandate in line with the vision of President John Mahama’s administration to ensure laws work effectively.
He also criticized property owners who attempt to recover long-term investments within short periods through excessive rent charges.
“It is wickedness and unfairness for someone to take a 30-year loan and attempt to recover it within 10 years through exploitative rent charges,” he said.
The Commissioner warned individuals and institutions against interfering in the operations of the Rent Control Department, cautioning that the office would publicly expose persons who attempt to obstruct their work.
“If they don’t take care, we will name and shame those interfering with the work of the Rent Control Office,” he warned.
