The Office of the Rent Commissioner and the Rent Control Department have directed all private hostel owners and operators across Ghana to place a temporary hold on any planned increase in hostel accommodation fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a press statement dated May 19, 2026, the department said the decision follows growing public concern over the continuous rise in hostel fees around tertiary institutions nationwide.
According to the statement, the increasing cost of private student accommodation has become a major burden on students, parents, and guardians, with fears that unchecked increments could negatively affect access to accommodation and the welfare of students pursuing higher education.
The Rent Commissioner’s Office stated that all private hostel owners, facility managers, and operators are expected to suspend any intended fee adjustments until further notice.
The department also announced plans to engage stakeholders in the student accommodation sector to discuss sustainable, fair, and lawful measures regarding hostel pricing and standards.
The stakeholder engagement will involve private hostel operators, student representative bodies, tertiary institution authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
Issues expected to be discussed at the meeting include:
- Concerns surrounding hostel fee increments
- Compliance with existing rent regulations and consumer protection provisions
- Practical solutions to ensure affordability and fairness
- Measures to promote transparency and accountability in the student hostel sector
The statement, signed by Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku, emphasized the department’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and responsible regulation within Ghana’s rental and accommodation sector.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
Discussion about this post