The leadership of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), led by Rashid Ibrahim, says it will submit a formal petition to the Rent Control Department and the Ministry of Works and Housing over widespread abuse of rent rules affecting students.
During his interview today (23 April), Ibrahim said the petition scheduled to be presented at 10 a.m will call for strict enforcement of Ghana’s rent laws, especially rules about rent advances and how landlords are allowed to increase prices.
He explained that the cost of hostels and rental rooms around universities has gone up a lot, putting pressure on students.
According to him, some landlords increase rent without following the proper process or getting approval from the rent authorities.
“You cannot just stand up and say because of inflation you are increasing rent,” he said, referring to the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), which requires rent officers to review and approve any rent changes.
Ibrahim described the situation as unfair and exploitative. He claimed that in some cases, landlords charge as much as GHC7,000 per person for overcrowded rooms, even though the living conditions remain poor.
“The landlord will not paint the place beds are infested, yet they keep increasing prices. That is clear extortion,” he stated.
He also said that some students are afraid to report these issues because landlords threaten to evict them if they complain.
The NUGS president said the union has already spoken with the Rent Control Department, but believes a formal petition is needed to push authorities to act, as required by law.
Beyond just asking for enforcement, Ibrahim warned that NUGS is ready to take further steps if nothing changes.
This could include going to court and pushing for more rent courts and magistrates to handle such cases.
“We will explore all options… until our grievances are addressed,” he said.
He also mentioned a possible “name and shame” campaign to expose landlords who break the law, and called for stricter punishments such as fines or even jail time, as provided under existing laws.
Ibrahim stressed that the rising cost of accommodation is already affecting education. Some students, he said, are delaying admission or changing schools because they cannot afford housing.
“Some students gain admission but cannot continue because they cannot afford private hostel fees,” he said.
NUGS says it will continue to speak up on this issue and work with authorities to make sure rent laws are followed and students are protected from unfair treatment.
