Acting Rent Control Boss Fredrick Opoku has said private hostel owners should not be allowed to exploit students solely because of their investment.
Speaking on the Orange Sunrise on August 18, 2026, Mr Fredrick Opoku called on hostel owners to submit themselves to the Rent Control for assessment, adding that the Rent Control is not acting outside its jurisdiction.
According to him, investments alone could not justify some hostel prices. He emphasised that hostel owners had a responsibility to report to the Rent Control Department for proper assessment of building and operating costs.
“Because of their investment, should we throw the law away?, Should we allow lawlessness because of investments?” he quizzed.
” They have the opportunity to come and subject themselves to be assessed; that is when they can have the opportunity, so that this is how much I bought the land and this is the cost of maintenance “, Mr Opoku added.
Addressing allegations by the KNUST Hostel Owners Association that the Rent Control Department was acting outside of its jurisdiction, Mr Fredrick Opoku maintained that the Rent Control Department has the mandate to assess all premises in Ghana except properties that belong to the government.
“Section 1(1) of the Rent Act talks about the mandate of the Rent Control Department to assess all premises in Ghana except properties that belong to the government”, he said.
He explained that the Rent Control Department’s limited authority was why he did not visit traditional halls on university campuses.
“That is why when I go to KNUST I do not go to Katanga Hall or traditional halls because I know I will be acting contrary to the law and I will never act beyond my powers”, he emphasised.
He stressed that the current pricing system in hostels allowed “extortion without impunity” and was not favourable to students.
Mr Fredrick Opoku said he would not allow what he described as extortion to continue under his watch and commended the President John Dramani Mahama Administration for not interfering with the work of the Rent Control Department.
