Ghana Hostels Ltd Seeks Apology from Acting Rent Commissioner Over Pentagon Hostel Remarks

Management of Ghana Hostels Limited (GHL) has called on Acting Rent Commissioner Fredrick Opoku to issue an immediate and unconditional apology over comments he allegedly made regarding accommodation charges at the Pentagon Hostel on the campus of the University of Ghana.

In a statement released on May 13, GHL said remarks made by the Acting Rent Commissioner during an interview on Hitz FM created a misleading perception about the management and pricing structure of the hostel facility.

The company clarified that although the hostel is an investment owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), its daily operations, tenancy agreements, and pricing decisions are independently handled by Ghana Hostels Limited.

According to management, the comments attributed to the Acting Rent Commissioner were made without sufficient verification and unfairly portrayed the institution as being insensitive to students’ welfare.

GHL also defended the hostel’s pricing system, explaining that the standard four-in-one accommodation costs GHS7,392 per academic year at the Old Pentagon and GHS8,876 annually at the New Pentagon for each student.

Management stated that these amounts translate into monthly costs of approximately GHS821.33 and GHS986.22 respectively, inclusive of water charges, electricity quotas, and GHS100 in Junior Common Room (JCR) dues.

The company further dismissed allegations that students are being subjected to excessive accommodation fees, insisting that Pentagon Hostel remains relatively affordable compared to many privately operated hostels around the university enclave.

Responding to references made during the radio discussion about an alleged GHS28,000 hostel fee, GHL clarified that such a figure does not apply to its standard accommodation options.

It explained that only a small number of premium rooms equipped with extra facilities such as air conditioners and queen-size beds attract significantly higher charges, and these rooms account for less than five percent of the hostel’s total room stock.

Management added that the standard four-in-one rooms make up more than 65 percent of the hostel’s accommodation capacity and are offered at comparatively lower rates.

The statement also corrected claims that hostel fees were charged per semester, explaining instead that the rates cover an entire academic year.

GHL concluded by reiterating its expectation that the Acting Rent Commissioner publicly retract the remarks and apologise for what it described as inaccurate and damaging statements.