Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL) has publicly challenged the Acting Rent Commissioner, Mr. Fredrick Opoku. The company states his recent comments on student accommodation charges were misleading. GHL has demanded an apology for the statements made on Hitz FM. The disagreement centres on rent levels at the Pentagon Hostel at the University of Ghana. Mr. Opoku suggested these rates were insensitive to student finances.
While acknowledging that the Pentagon Hostel is an investment by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), GHL clarified its operational independence. Ghana Hostels Limited manages the day-to-day activities. This includes tenancy agreements and setting the prices for rooms. The company issued a media release on May 13, 2026, to set the record straight. They expressed deep concern that Mr. Opoku's remarks created a false impression of student exploitation by the hostel management. GHL maintains that public commentary should be factual and balanced.
The company detailed the actual costs for accommodation. A standard four-in-one room in the Old Pentagon costs GHS 7,392.00 for the entire academic year. The same room type in the New Pentagon costs GHS 8,876.00 per student. These figures equate to about GHS 821.33 and GHS 986.22 per month respectively. These charges encompass water, a portion of electricity costs, and GHS 100.00 in Junior Common Room (JCR) dues. These dues are then remitted to the student representative council. GHL asserts these rates are competitive and among the lowest on campus when compared to similar private hostels.
Ghana Hostels Limited outright rejected the notion that SSNIT is exploiting students. They labelled this impression as inaccurate and unfounded. The company also addressed a figure of GHS 28,000 mentioned during the radio discussion. GHL stated that no such rate exists within their standard pricing. However, they did confirm that less than 5% of rooms are premium units. These rooms include extras like air conditioning and larger beds. These are optional and chosen by a small number of students.
The company stressed that standard four-in-one rooms represent over 65% of the total available rooms. These are priced at significantly lower rates. Two-in-one rooms make up about 30% of the total accommodations. Additionally, GHL corrected the Acting Commissioner on payment terms. They confirmed that charges are levied based on the academic year, not per semester as he had previously stated. This public dispute highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies and private accommodation providers concerning student welfare and pricing structures in educational enclaves across Ghana.