“Even If We Have to Protest for Military Intervention in Hostel Fee Adjustment Directive, We Will” — NUGS President Assures

The President of the National Union of Ghana Students, Rashid Ibrahim Esq., has assured students and parents of the Association’s readiness to ensure that hostel managers fully comply with the new directive from the Rent Control Department to halt any intended increase in hostel fees, even if it means taking to the streets to protest for intervention.

“Even if we have to hit the streets and protest for intervention to ensure that hostel managers adhere to the Rent Control directive, we are ready to do that,” he stressed.

Speaking on Masem TV’s Beyond The Headlines on Thursday, May 21, 2026, he stated that if fighting for students’ rights regarding hostel fees becomes the only legacy he leaves behind, he is prepared to take that risk.

According to Mr. Ibrahim, the Rent Control Department’s directive to hostel operators to suspend any planned fee increases for the 2026/2027 academic year is timely and appropriate.

He described the directive as commendable and in the right direction.

“That is in the right direction because, on Monday, May 19, a student called me to say that their hostel managers had contacted them to announce an impending increase in hostel fees, probably by next week. So, this communiqué coming out at this time is good, and we welcome it,” the NUGS President stated.

He further stressed the Union’s readiness to participate in stakeholder engagements aimed at finding lasting solutions to challenges within the hostel accommodation sector, as proposed by the Rent Control Commissioner.

“It is meant to resolve all the issues regarding hostels. The National Union of Ghana Students will also take part in the stakeholders’ engagement. During the engagement, we will use the opportunity to present our grievances, especially since we have already petitioned the Rent Control Department to address them. So, we welcome the decision by the Rent Control,” the NUGS President reiterated.

The Rent Control Department, in collaboration with the Office of the Rent Commissioner, has directed all hostel owners to suspend any planned fee increases ahead of broader stakeholder consultations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, and signed by the Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, the directive was described as temporary, pending consultations on pricing and related concerns.

According to the statement, “the Rent Control Department will soon convene a meeting with key stakeholders in the student hostel accommodation sector, including student representative bodies, to deliberate on sustainable, fair, and lawful measures governing hostel pricing and standards.”