{
  "id": 1779273,
  "title": "‘Now it’s action, no talking’ – Rent Control cracks whip on hostel operators",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/now-its-action-no-talking-rent-control-cracks-whip-on-hostel-operators",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T18:44:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/now-its-action-no-talking-rent-control-cracks-whip-on-hostel-operators/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Rent Control Department is preparing to take more assertive action against hostel operators accused of exploiting students and other tenants, according to Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku. In an interview with Joy FM’s Top Story, Opoku announced that the department would no longer engage in mere discussions about the challenges faced by tenants, stating that they would now take concrete action. He emphasized that the department would begin processing complaints and applications filed by students regarding alleged unlawful practices by hostel operators starting from the following Monday.\n\nOpoku expressed the department's dedication to exposing what he termed as exploitation and illegal practices perpetrated against tenants. He stated, \"Now it’s action, no talking,\" and highlighted the department's intention to move beyond mere warnings to direct actions against the offenders. To facilitate this, the Rent Control Department intends to collaborate with university authorities in setting up student desks at tertiary institutions. These desks will serve as direct reporting points for students to voice concerns about unlawful conduct by hostel operators on their campuses. The initiative aims to streamline the process for students to report issues, thus enabling the department to address cases more efficiently.\n\nThe planned enforcement measures come in response to growing concerns over the treatment of students and other tenants by some hostel operators, especially regarding allegations of unlawful charges and other unfair practices. Opoku's comments underscore the department's resolve to shift from merely discussing the issues to taking immediate actions on cases brought before it. Additionally, he mentioned that the Acting Rent Commissioner would return to Accra shortly, where he plans to deliver a press conference to inform the public about the department's enforcement plans.",
  "summary": "The Rent Control Department is set to intensify enforcement against hostel operators accused of exploiting students and other tenants, with Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku warning that the department is moving from warnings to concrete action.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}