A Level 400 student has clashed with the Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, during his visit to Her Excellency Hostel in Winneba.
According to the Level 400 student, a University of Winneba student, the Rent Commissioner cannot just come to the hostel without the owner’s permission.
He argued that the Rent Commissioner does not have the right to be there unless he informed the owners.
Speaking in a viral video shared on X, the Level 400 student fuming, stated, “They need to be aware before you come here because we have the rule of law. If the owner is not here, you don’t have the right to come here unless you’ve informed them. It is my personal opinion. I am a Level 400 student. I have rented here”.
The Rent Commissioner, reacting to the Level 400 student, stated, “I have invited all of you to Accra to come and explain why you should not be prosecuted under the law for increasing rent without the rigours of the law.
Meanwhile, Frederick Opoku has 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:
They need to be aware before you come here because we have the rule of law. If the owner is not here, you don’t have the right to come here unless you’ve informed them.”
— we love ghana (@weloveghana042) June 30, 2026
— A Level 400 student questions the Rent Control Commissioner during his visit to Her Excellency Hostel. https://t.co/FUa5N7jWWV pic.twitter.com/3hQu2J6iO6
