Accra: A Level 400 student of the University of Education, Winneba, confronted Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku and his team during an inspection visit to the Central Region over high hostel fees. The commissioner had travelled to Winneba as part of an exercise aimed at ensuring that exorbitant hostel charges are reduced. During the visit, he met students at the Her Excellency Hostel in Winneba.
According to Ghana Web, the student was heard challenging the commissioner, arguing that he did not have permission to enter the hostel because the owner of the facility was not present. The student insisted that the commissioner should have sought permission before conducting the inspection.
"They have to be aware whether you are in charge or not. They have to be aware before you come here because everybody is watching. We have the rule of law. If the owner is not here, you don't have that kind of right to come here," he said.
In response, the commissioner maintained that he did not need anyone's permission to access the facility in the discharge of his duties. He explained that he was there to ensure fairness in hostel pricing and to investigate reports of rent increases.
"I would invite all of you to a meeting to explain why you should not be prosecuted under the law for increasing rent unlawfully. While I'm here, nobody questions my legitimacy to be here," the commissioner stated.