Hostel operators and landlords across Ghana will now be required to grant the Rent Control Department access to their properties, following a directive from Acting Commissioner Mr. Frederick Opoku to enforce a 60-year-old law.
Speaking to the media after an engagement with hostel operators at the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) headquarters in Accra, Mr. Opoku expressed satisfaction with the education provided to hostel operators.
He noted that many operators were previously unaware of the Department’s legal mandate, but significant progress has now been made in clarifying their responsibilities.
Mr. Opoku explained that the Rent Control Department does not side with either tenants or landlords. Instead, it serves as a neutral body, ensuring fairness when disputes arise. “When a case is brought before us, we invite both the tenant and landlord to settle it fairly,” he stated.
He further clarified that when the Department assesses a property, landlords cannot arbitrarily increase rent without receiving a certificate of assessment. “If you do not understand our access to your property, you can apply for judicial review. It is strictly a legal matter and nothing else,” Mr. Opoku emphasized.
Highlighting the historical context, he revealed that the law had not been enforced for over 60 years, leading many to assume it was no longer relevant.
However, he stressed that enforcement is now necessary, even though some operators may lack technical knowledge or feel aggrieved by the new measures. “I want to put it on record that the Rent Control Department needs to access all hostels and properties in Ghana,” he declared.
Mr. Opoku assured stakeholders that the Department will collaborate closely with hostel operators and other partners to ensure the smooth implementation of the law.
“The Rent Control Department will work with all stakeholders and hostel operators,” he concluded.
Source: Collins Kofi Asante
