Ghana Hostels Limited has demanded an apology from Acting Rent Commissioner Fredrick Opoku over what it describes as misleading comments regarding accommodation charges at the Pentagon Hostel on the University of Ghana campus.
The dispute follows remarks made by Mr. Opoku during an interview on Hitz FM, where he reportedly suggested that rent charges at the SSNIT-controlled hostel facility were insensitive to the welfare of students.
In a statement issued on May 13, 2026, management of GHL clarified that although the hostel facility is owned by SSNIT, the management of tenancy arrangements, pricing and daily operations is independently handled by the company.
GHL expressed concern that the comments created what it described as a false impression that the hostel management was exploiting students.
While affirming its respect for public discourse, the company stressed that discussions surrounding accommodation pricing should be “fair, factual and balanced.”
The company also provided a breakdown of accommodation charges at the facility, explaining that a standard four-in-one room at the Old Pentagon costs GHS 7,392 for the academic year, while a similar arrangement at the New Pentagon costs GHS 8,876 per student.
According to management, the rates translate to approximately GHS 821.33 and GHS 986.22 monthly respectively, inclusive of water bills, an electricity quota and GHS 100 in JCR dues.
GHL argued that compared to rates charged by several private hostels around the university enclave, Pentagon Hostel remains among the most affordable accommodation options on campus.
The company further rejected claims that SSNIT was exploiting students, describing such suggestions as baseless and inaccurate.
Addressing claims about a supposed GHS 28,000 room rate, GHL clarified that no standard room is priced at that amount. However, it acknowledged that fewer than five percent of rooms are premium units equipped with additional amenities such as air conditioning and queen-size beds.
According to the statement, those premium rooms are optional and mostly occupied by students seeking extra comfort.
Management added that standard four-in-one rooms account for more than 65 percent of all rooms at the facility, while two-in-one rooms make up about 30 percent.
GHL also corrected claims regarding payment timelines, insisting that accommodation fees are charged per academic year and not per semester as earlier suggested by the Acting Rent Commissioner.
