Accra: The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has criticized the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) over the escalating costs of accommodation at Pentagon Hostel, labeling the fees as excessive and burdensome for students and their families. His remarks come amid increasing concerns about the affordability of housing around major universities in Ghana, as hostel fees continue to soar beyond the means of many.
According to Ghana Web, the Commissioner voiced his concerns during an interview on Hit FM, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for an institution responsible for managing workers' pensions to be associated with exorbitant accommodation fees that place significant financial pressure on families. He highlighted the already challenging economic environment and the strain of educational expenses many parents face.
Opoku specifically criticized the pricing at Pentagon Hostel, where charges for rooms in the older block, accommodating four students, range from GHS6,000 to GHS6,400 per semester. He noted that the fees for the newer block are even higher, with some single rooms featuring air conditioners reportedly costing between GHS20,000 and GHS30,000 per semester.
He expressed alarm at the situation, questioning, "What is the meaning of this? Do they want students to go into prostitution just to pay for accommodation?" Opoku warned that the rising cost of student housing could have severe social consequences if not addressed promptly.