Rent Control threatens legal action over alleged UG hostel fee hike

The Rent Control Department has threatened to take the University of Ghana (UG) Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and other university authorities to court over an alleged unapproved increase in hostel fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Acting Rent Control Commissioner Frederick Opoku made the threat in a video circulated on social media on October 4, 2026. He accused the university of increasing or proposing to increase residential accommodation fees without first applying to the Rent Control Department for assessment and approval, despite an earlier warning from his office.

Mr Opoku insisted that any hostel seeking to increase its charges must first apply for an assessment so the department can examine the basis for the proposed increase, including maintenance and improvements to the facility. He said Rent Control would challenge what he described as an illegal decision and could seek a court injunction if necessary.

The development follows growing concerns over accommodation costs at UG and other tertiary institutions. In May, the Rent Control Department directed private hostel owners and operators nationwide to temporarily suspend proposed fee increases for the 2026/2027 academic year, citing the financial burden on students, parents and guardians.

Mr Opoku also acknowledged a petition from students over the matter and said his office had taken notice of their concerns. However, as of October 5, no confirmed court filing had been reported, and a detailed public response from UG authorities to the latest allegations had not been identified in the available reports. The dispute therefore remains at the stage of a public threat of legal action over the alleged fee increase.