Hostel Owners Association accuse Rent Control of threats, unfair treatment to operators

The Chairman of the Hostel Owners Association, Bishop Owusu-Bi, has criticized the Rent Control Department's approach to regulating hostel facilities. He accused Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, of making public allegations against hostel operators without first engaging them in discussions. Bishop Owusu-Bi expressed concern over the Rent Control's confrontational approach to assessing rental charges, stating that regulators should engage stakeholders and understand their challenges before making public statements.

He emphasized that hostel operators were particularly troubled by comments alleging their charges as exorbitant and exploitative. The Chairman himself attempted to engage Mr Opoku to address these concerns, but claims his efforts were unsuccessful. Bishop Owusu-Bi questioned the fairness of regulators starting engagements with threats and accusations, suggesting it hindered cooperation from hostel operators.

He also accused the Rent Control Department of threatening hostel closures by visiting them with cameras. Bishop Owusu-Bi argued that hostel owners had invested significantly in their facilities and faced substantial construction, material, and borrowing costs, and therefore, any action against them should adhere to Ghana's laws and regulatory procedures.

He called for constructive dialogue between the Rent Control Department and hostel owners to resolve issues over pricing and standards without resorting to threats or public accusations.