KTU: Two private hostels shut down over poor sanitation, illegal operations
The Rent Control Commission, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has closed down two private hostels accommodating students of Koforidua Technical University (KTU) over poor sanitation, unacceptable living conditions and breaches of regulatory requirements.
The affected facilities, Serwaa Heights and Adehye3 Hostel, were shut down after students lodged complaints about the state of the hostels and alleged unreasonable rent increases.
The inspection was conducted by officials from the Eastern Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority, led by Regional Director Jones Haruna Nelson, together with Acting Rent Control Commissioner Frederick Opoku. The exercise followed complaints received from students.
Before beginning the inspection, the team met with the university’s Dean of Students and subsequently briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the purpose of their visit.
At Serwaa Heights, located roughly 300 metres from the university’s small gate, the officials observed poor sanitary conditions and concerns with the management of the facility. The GTA also found that the hostel was operating without the necessary registration.
Mr Haruna Nelson told journalists that the facility was not suitable for students and that the operators had been served with a closure notice due to the poor conditions and illegal operation.
Students at Serwaa Heights told Channel One TV that they paid GH¢9,000 annually for single rooms, while three students sharing a room each paid GH¢5,000, despite the conditions at the facility.
The inspection team then moved to Adehye3 Hostel, situated behind the university’s main campus. Officials found piles of rubbish at the entrance and other sanitation-related problems.
Students at the hostel also complained about the conditions and called for the facility to be shut down.
Following the inspections, the GTA issued closure notices to both hostels.
Mr Haruna Nelson explained that the intervention was aimed at protecting students and ensuring that hostel operators meet the standards required to operate legally.
For his part, Acting Rent Control Commissioner Frederick Opoku assured affected students that they would be refunded monies they had already paid. He added that the Rent Control Commission would work with the Ghana Tourism Authority to protect students who depend on private accommodation.
He said both institutions would continue conducting inspections of hostels to ensure that students have access to accommodation that meets acceptable health and safety standards.
Mr Opoku also warned that the Commission would take action against hostel operators who exploit students by providing poor facilities or imposing unjustified rent charges.
He further disclosed that the nationwide inspection exercise would continue, with the two institutions working together to identify and shut down unlicensed and unsanitary hostel facilities.
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