GHL demands apology from Rent Commissioner over hostel fee remarks

The Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL) is demanding an immediate apology from F Acting Rent Commissioner Fredrick Opoku over comments he made regarding rent charges at the Pentagon Hostel on the University of Ghana campus, Legon, while strongly defending its pricing structure.

In a statement dated May 13, 2026, management of GHL said the comments by the Acting Rent Commissioner were made without adequate due diligence and had created a misleading impression about the hostel’s operations.

According to the company, although the facility is a Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) investment, the day-to-day management, pricing structures, and tenancy arrangements are independently handled by Ghana Hostels Limited.

Management expressed concern that the comments made during the radio programme portrayed the institution as insensitive to the welfare of students and young people.

“While we respect the right of individuals and media platforms to express opinions on matters of public interest, it is equally important that such commentary is fair, factual, and balanced,” the statement said.

GHL provided a breakdown of its accommodation charges, explaining that standard four-in-a-room at the old Pentagon Hostel cost GH¢7,392 per academic year per student, while rooms at the new Pentagon cost GH¢8,876 per academic year.

According to the company, the figures translate into approximately GH¢821.33 and GH¢986.22 per month, respectively, inclusive of water, electricity quota, and GH¢100 in Junior Common Room (JCR) dues.

The management insisted that the rates remain competitive and comparatively lower than those charged by several private hostels around the University of Ghana enclave.

“The impression created that SSNIT is exploiting students is wholly inaccurate and without basis,” the statement added.

GHL also addressed claims regarding an alleged GH¢28,000 hostel fee, stating that no such amount exists within its standard pricing structure.

The company explained that a limited number of premium rooms fitted with extra amenities such as air conditioning and queen-size beds are available as optional accommodation choices and constitute less than five per cent of rooms at the hostel.

According to management, standard four-in-one rooms make up more than 65 per cent of the hostel’s total rooms, while two-in-one rooms account for about 30%.

The statement further clarified that all charges are based on the full academic year and not per semester, as allegedly suggested during the radio discussion

Credit/citinews