20/08/2026
About 90% of Private Hostels Operating at STU and UENR Are Not Registered β Rent Control Commissioner.
The Acting Commissioner of the Rent Control Department, Mr. Frederick Opoku, has said more than 90 percent of private hostel operators around universities in Sunyani are not registered and are operating illegally.
Speaking to the media in Sunyani on Wednesday, the Commissioner explained that out of a list of 50 private hostels received and confirmed with the Ghana Tourism Authority, 40 were found to be unregistered, operating illegally, and unknown to the regulator.
According to him, these private hostels are located around the Sunyani Technical University (STU) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.
Mr. Opoku indicated that the Rent Control Department would embark on a thorough inspection and assessment exercise, and that any unregistered hostels found operating illegally and evading taxes would face the full consequences of the law.
"Every hostel in Ghana will be assessed, and any amount found to be overcharged will be reversed to the tenant or student," he said.
Mr. Opoku said Section 20 of the Rent Act requires all private hostel operators to provide accurate information concerning their premises, including registered tenancy agreement documents, and to cooperate with the Department during lawful inspection and assessment processes.
He emphasized that hostel operators across the country are not exempted from rent control supervision, and must therefore align themselves to be regulated and operate within the confines of the law.
The Commissioner further advised tenants and students with concerns about excessive rent, hostel charges, or increments to apply for assessment through the Rent Control Department to seek proper and timely redress.
By Christopher Tetteh, Sky News
