The Rent Control Department has directed all private hostel owners and operators across the country to place a temporary hold on any proposed increase in hostel accommodation fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.
According to a press statement issued by the Office of the Rent Commissioner on May 19, 2026, the directive follows growing public concern over continuous hikes in hostel fees within and around tertiary institutions.
The statement noted that the persistent increases in accommodation charges were placing a significant financial burden on students, parents and guardians, with the potential to affect access to accommodation and the welfare of students pursuing higher education.
“In view of the above, the Office of the Rent Commissioner, together with the Rent Control Department, hereby directs all private hostel owners, facility managers, operators and stakeholders within the student accommodation sector to place a temporal hold on all or any intended or proposed increment in hostel accommodation fees for the 2026/2027 academic year until further notice,” the statement said.
The Department also announced plans to hold a stakeholder engagement meeting involving hostel owners, managers, tertiary institution authorities, student representative bodies and other relevant stakeholders to discuss developments within the student accommodation sector.
According to the statement, the meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable, fair and lawful measures regarding hostel pricing and accommodation standards.
Issues expected to be discussed include concerns over hostel fee increments, compliance with existing rent regulations and consumer protection provisions, as well as practical solutions to ensure affordability and fairness in the sector.
The Department further indicated that the engagement would promote transparency and accountability within the student hostel accommodation industry.
“All stakeholders are strongly encouraged to attend and cooperate fully with the directive in the interest of students, parents, educational institutions and national development,” the statement added.
The statement, signed by Frederick Opoku, reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Rent Commissioner and the Rent Control Department to ensuring fairness, transparency and responsible regulation within Ghana’s rental and accommodation sector.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
