Students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have been advised not to pay increased hostel accommodation fees until the Rent Control Department completes an official assessment of private hostel charges.
The directive, issued by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), is aimed at protecting students from what the Council describes as unapproved and arbitrary rent increases by some private hostel operators.
The SRC says the decision follows engagements with the Rent Control Department and hostel managers over compliance with Ghana’s Rent Act.
SRC Defends Directive
Speaking on ATL FM’s Atlantic Wave, SRC President Kwame Ntiamoah Ntim said the Council issued the notice after touring private hostels with the Acting Rent Control Commissioner and discussing rent regulations with hostel operators.
According to him, the Rent Control Department has formally instructed hostel managers to suspend any planned rent increases until official assessments are completed.
He explained that the SRC acted after several attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue failed to produce the desired outcome.
Students Protected from Unapproved Charges
The SRC maintains that students should not be compelled to pay increased accommodation fees that have not received approval from the Rent Control Department.
Mr. Ntim said the Council remains committed to ensuring that all rent adjustments comply with the provisions of Ghana’s rent laws.
Read Also: Teachers in Rural Areas Get New Study Leave Boost
He urged students to report any hostel operator demanding unapproved rent increases.
Concerns Over Student Evictions
The SRC President further alleged that some hostel operators had taken advantage of increasing demand for accommodation by asking continuing students to leave in favour of new students willing to pay higher rents.
He described the practice as unfair and said the Council is working with the Rent Control Department to address the situation.
Joint Inspection Planned
Mr. Ntim disclosed that a joint inspection exercise involving Rent Control officials and security personnel will soon be carried out.
The operation will target hostels operating without the required licences and those suspected of violating rent regulations.
According to him, the exercise is intended to improve compliance and protect students from unlawful practices.
Appeal to University Management
The SRC has also appealed to the University of Cape Coast to consider temporary accommodation arrangements for students who may be affected by enforcement actions against unlicensed hostels.
The Council believes such support will help ensure that students are not left without accommodation while regulatory measures are being implemented.
Officials say the SRC will continue working with the Rent Control Department and university authorities to promote fair, lawful and affordable student accommodation.
