Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku says private hostel accommodation charges must be subjected to proper and scientific assessment processes to ensure fairness for both investors and students.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show, Mr Opoku acknowledged concerns raised about the high cost of construction and the need for investors to recover their investments.

However, he maintained that hostel operators cannot independently determine rental prices without regulatory assessment.

“It will be unfair for me to sit here and say the fair price must be this. I believe in using scientific means,” he stated.

The discussion followed arguments by a panellist who explained that rising construction costs, interest rates, and operational expenses make it difficult for hostel investors to charge lower fees.

Using examples from State Housing Company developments and university accommodation projects, the panellist argued that many investors would struggle to recover their investments over 25 years if hostel rents are significantly reduced.

“There is no investor in this country now who can build these structures without bank loans with interest,” the panellist noted.

Mr Opoku, however, insisted that the central issue is whether hostel charges have been properly assessed under the law.

“That’s the point. Did they even assess it?” he questioned.

According to him, fairness in pricing cannot be based on assumptions or individual discretion but should follow established valuation and assessment procedures.

The debate comes at a time when accommodation costs for tertiary students continue to rise across Ghana, with many students and parents expressing concern over affordability.

Authorities are expected to review aspects of Ghana’s rent regulation framework as part of broader efforts to address concerns within the housing and student accommodation sectors.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Tags:

Hostel Operators Need Fair Returns, But Rents Must Still Be Assessed — Rent Commissioner

Suggested for you

More Stories

Governor Adeleke removes Oba Joseph Oloyede as traditional ruler for Osun

Independent Examinations Committee No Longer Has Power to Conduct Law School Entrance Exams – Dafeamekpor

Acting Rent Commissioner accuses hostel operators of exploiting students through utility charges

Ghana Publishing now has GH¢18.7m positive cash balance after three years of negative cash

Children Can Bear Cost of Rent Assessment Under Existing Law — Rent Commissioner

Uganda and DR Congo sign six new agreements for better relationship

Discussion