The Acting Commissioner of the Rent Control Department, Frederick Opoku, has questioned the huge cost of rooms rented out to students at Viking Hostel, describing it as unacceptable.

This follows an inspection at the Viking Hostel near the University of Ghana campus over reports of exorbitant prices at the hostel.

Rent control 'chases' hostels charging outrageous fees

The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the National Tenants Union of Ghana, forms part of a nationwide crackdown on alleged exploitative hostel pricing and illegal rent practices in tertiary institutions.

During the inspection, Opoku expressed shock at the amount students are reportedly paying for accommodation at the facility.

“Two people sharing a room at Viking Hostel are paying GH¢10,000.00. We do not understand the pricing methods being used,” he stated.

According to him, the department had received several complaints from students about exorbitant hostel fees.

This prompted authorities to begin direct engagement with hostel operators across universities in Accra.

In a video posted by the 1957News on Facebook, on May 7, 2026, he explained that the inspection team wanted management of the hostel to justify the pricing structure being used for student accommodation.

“We need to know the basis for these charges because students are suffering,” he stressed.

The Acting Commissioner disclosed that officials attempted to meet with the management of the hostel during the visit, but no representatives was available to engage the team.

Opoku warned that the Rent Control Department would not hesitate to take action if investigations confirm breaches of Ghana’s rent laws.

“If we establish that there are violations, we will summon the operators and take the necessary action,” he said.

The ongoing inspection exercise follows a petition by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), which accused some hostel operators of arbitrary pricing, excessive advance rent demands, and unfair tenancy practices.

The Rent Control Department says the exercise will continue across major tertiary institutions, including the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Wisconsin International University College, as authorities seek to protect students from exploitation in the housing sector.

NA/VPO