Ghana Hostels Ltd demands apology from Acting Rent Commissioner over SSNIT hostel claims

Management of Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL) is demanding an immediate and unconditional apology from the Acting Rent Commissioner, Fredrick Opoku, following comments he allegedly made concerning accommodation charges at the Pentagon Hostel.

In a statement released on May 13, GHL expressed dissatisfaction with remarks reportedly made by the Acting Rent Commissioner during an interview on Hitz FM, arguing that the comments created a misleading public perception about the management and pricing structure of the hostel facility.

The company clarified that although the hostel is an investment property of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, its daily operations, tenancy agreements and accommodation pricing are independently managed by Ghana Hostels Limited.

According to GHL, the comments attributed to Mr. Opoku were made without adequate background checks and wrongly portrayed the company as being insensitive to the financial challenges faced by students.

Management further defended the hostel’s pricing system, explaining that the standard four-in-one accommodation arrangement at the Old Pentagon Hostel currently costs GHS7,392 annually per student, while the New Pentagon Hostel charges GHS8,876 annually.

The company stated that these fees translate into monthly costs of approximately GHS821.33 for the Old Pentagon and GHS986.22 for the New Pentagon. The rates, according to management, also include utilities such as water supply, electricity quota and GHS100 Junior Common Room (JCR) dues.

GHL strongly rejected suggestions that students are being exploited through excessive accommodation charges, insisting that Pentagon Hostel remains one of the more affordable accommodation options available on the University of Ghana campus when compared to several privately owned hostels within the area.

The company also addressed claims regarding an alleged GHS28,000 accommodation fee mentioned during the radio discussion. Management clarified that no such amount exists within the standard room pricing structure at Pentagon Hostel.

According to the statement, the figure likely referred to a limited number of premium rooms equipped with additional facilities such as air conditioning, queen-size beds and upgraded furnishings. These premium rooms reportedly account for less than five percent of the hostel’s total accommodation capacity and are offered strictly as optional accommodation choices for students who prefer enhanced amenities.

“The standard room type of 4-in-1 constitutes more than 65% of the total rooms of the hostel, which are priced at comparatively lower rates,” the statement emphasized.

GHL also clarified that all hostel fees are charged on a full academic year basis and not per semester as was allegedly suggested during the interview.

Management therefore maintains that the Acting Rent Commissioner’s comments were inaccurate and damaging to the company’s reputation.

“Accordingly, Management of GHL expects an immediate and unqualified apology from the Acting Rent Commissioner for the unfortunate remarks made during the programme,” the statement concluded.

The controversy has sparked broader public discussions about student accommodation costs, hostel management and affordability challenges facing university students in Ghana.