'Bow your heads in shame' - Rent Commissioner takes on SSNIT

The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has criticised the cost of accommodation at Ghana Hostels, popularly known as Pentagon, describing the charges as exploitative.

Speaking on the pricing of rooms at the hostel facility owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) on Hitz FM and monitored by GhanaWeb on May 8, 2026, Opoku said the institution was taking advantage of parents and students.

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According to him, SSNIT, which manages the pensions of many parents, should know better and not charge such high fees for student accommodation.

“If you go to, is it Pent Hostel called Ghana Hostels for SSNIT? You, SSNIT, who is responsible for managing people's pensions, have turned around, and you are exploiting the same parents whose pensions you’re managing. What kind of behaviour is that? SSNIT! They should bow their heads in shame. You can never use people's money, manage, or exploit,” he said.

The Acting Rent Commissioner said he had personally visited the facility and observed the room categories and its corresponding prices.

“I went there. I didn't bring the sheets. I don't want to be liable to any legal suit. I want to just talk to the issues. You go to Pent, and they say they have new Pent and old Pent. Look at these terminologies and semantics,” he stated.

He explained that students occupying the older four-in-one rooms are charged about GH¢6,400 per semester, while the newer rooms cost about GH¢8,000.

“This one is a new block, and the old blocks, for example, are four in one. Four students in one room. They will take you about GH¢6,400 for the old one. Then the new one is GH¢8,000 for a student per semester,” he said.

Frederick Opoku also raised concerns about the cost of air-conditioned rooms at the hostel.

He questioned the high fees, saying they place too much financial pressure on students just to secure accommodation.

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“In fact, one room with air conditioning, they are talking about GH¢20,000 plus or GH¢30,000. What is the meaning of this? They are students! Do you want them to go and do prostitution to come and pay?” he questioned.

MAG/VPO

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