Claims of exploitative charges attributed to us inaccurate - Pentagon Hostel takes on Rent Control

Ghana Hostels Limited is demanding an immediate and unqualified apology from the Commissioner of the Rent Control Department, Fredrick Opoku, over comments he made about accommodation fees at Pentagon Hostel on the University of Ghana campus.

In a statement, released on May 13, 2026, the company said remarks made by Opoku on Hitz FM gave a misleading picture of how the hostel operates.

Management clarified that although the hostel is a SSNIT investment, day-to-day operations, tenancy, pricing, and management decisions are handled independently by Ghana Hostels Limited.

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The company said comments that portrayed it as insensitive to students were unfair.

“While we respect the right of individuals and media platforms to express opinions on matters of public interest, it is equally important that such commentary is fair, factual, and balanced,” the statement read.

Ghana Hostels Limited said standard accommodation for four students per room costs GH¢7,392 annually at Old Pentagon and GH¢8,876 annually at New Pentagon per student.

That works out to about GH¢821.33 and GH¢986.22 monthly, covering water, electricity quota, and GH¢100 JCR dues.

Management said the rates make the Pentagon one of the most affordable hostels on campus compared to private facilities.

It dismissed claims of a GH¢28,000 charge, saying no such amount exists in the standard pricing structure.

Premium rooms with air conditioning and queen-size beds exist but make up less than 5% of rooms and are optional for students wanting extra comfort.

“These rooms constitute below five per cent of the total number of rooms at the hostel and are mostly patronised by a limited number of students who insist on extra features offered strictly as optional accommodation choices,” the statement added.

Four-in-one standard rooms make up over 65% of the facility, while two-in-one rooms account for about 30%.

The company also clarified that fees are charged per academic year, not per semester.

“The impression created that SSNIT is exploiting students is wholly inaccurate and without basis,” management stressed, reiterating its commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders.

NAD/VPO

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