The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has slammed the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) over the high cost of accommodation at Pentagon Hostel, describing the charges as excessive and unfair to students and parents.

His comments follow growing concerns over the affordability of accommodation around major universities in Ghana, as hostel charges continue to rise beyond the reach of many students and their families.

Speaking in an interview on Hit FM on Friday, May 8, 2026, he said it was unacceptable for an institution entrusted with managing workers’ pensions to be associated with accommodation fees that continue to place heavy financial burdens on families.

He expressed concern about the increasing cost of hostel facilities around tertiary institutions, stressing that many parents are already struggling to cope with economic pressures and educational expenses.

Opoku particularly questioned the pricing structure at Pentagon Hostel, where rooms in the old block occupied by four students are reportedly charged between GH¢6,000 and GH¢6,400 per semester.

He further noted that accommodation in the newer block attracts much higher fees, with some single rooms equipped with air conditioners reportedly costing between GH¢20,000 and GH¢30,000 per semester.

“What is the meaning of this? Do they want students to go into prostitution just to pay for accommodation?” he questioned.

According to him, the situation is deeply troubling and could have severe social consequences if urgent measures are not taken to address the rising cost of student housing.

SO/MA

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