A student staying at Her Excellency Hostel in Winneba has reported the owners of Her Excellency Hostel in Winneba to the Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku.
According to the student, she paid GH₵2,900 as rent on Monday, but after she paid, the rent was increased the rent to GH₵3,500.
Speaking in the viral video, the student sharing her complaint with the Rent Control Commissioner stated, “I made inquiries about the hostel, and the agreed rent was GH₵2,900. On Monday, my dad gave me the money, and I paid the amount. After I had paid, they increased the rent to GH₵3,500”.
The Rent Control Commissioner, speaking after the student complaint, stated, “I have entered Central Region, and the first hostel that I am visiting is Her Excellency Hostel. I have indicated that I want to meet all hostel operators, and the intention of the increment should be halted. It is unfair that here in Her Excellency Hostel it was GH₵2,900 and now they are GH₵3,500 a semester”.
He added, “Two in a room, they pay their own electricity and maintenance, so the bed and the room that they occupy two in a room, GH₵3,500 now, this clearly shows that some hostel operators, some of them have decided to defy the directives that I brought in. On Wednesday, 1st July, I am meeting hostel operators, and I urge this owner to appear before the Rent Control in Accra”.
Meanwhile, Frederick Opoku had earlier informed University students to report to his office if their hostel fees have been increased despite his directive.
The Rent Commissioner asserted that no hostel manager is bigger than the laws of Ghana.
Speaking on Bullet TV, Frederick Opoku stated, “Any student across the country whose hostel fee has been increased after my directive should report to my office with the receipt.
Any hostel operator, if you think you are bigger than the law and that you have invested, and so we should throw the laws out is that not a matter who is behind the hostel? It does not matter who you think your boss is. That your boss is not above the law, and if I am not able to arrest your boss, I will name and shame your boss.
No matter your pedigree in society, you are not above the law. The laws of Ghana will be implemented equally for the poor and the rich”, he added.
His comments come following the Office of the Rent Commissioner and the Rent Control Department have issued a statement directing 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.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the statement signed by the Acting Rent Commissioner and Head of the Rent Control Department, Frederick Opoku, announced the directive follows public concern concerning the hostel fees for tertiary institutions.
According to the statement, repeated hikes in accommodation charges are placing a heavy financial burden on students, parents and guardians.
Parts of the statement read, “These persistent increments have become a matter of urgent public concern due to the economic burden placed on students, parents, and guardians”.
“The situation, if not properly regulated and managed, may adversely affect access to accommodation and the general welfare of students pursuing higher education,” the statement said.
“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,” it directed.
“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 said
Watch the video below:
I made inquiries about the hostel, and the agreed rent was GH₵2,900. On Monday, my dad gave me the money, and I paid the amount. After I had paid, they increased the rent to GH₵3,500.”
— we love ghana (@weloveghana042) June 30, 2026
— A student staying at Her Excellency Hostel in Winneba shares her complaint with the Rent… https://t.co/dMIX3KOZEt pic.twitter.com/pxMlgg5xbq
