Takoradi: Professor Eric Bruce-Amartey Junior, the Dean of Students Affairs at Takoradi Technical University, has emphasized the need for a collaborative effort with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges faced by students living in private hostels at the tertiary level. He highlighted concerns about hostel owners charging fees that do not align with the facilities provided, such as access to potable water and necessary amenities for student comfort.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Amartey made these remarks during an engagement with the Western Regional Rent Control Department, aimed at understanding the issues surrounding private hostel rentals as part of the Department’s effort to regulate the rental housing sector in the region. He noted that students in university hostels benefit from better facilities, especially during odd hours, compared to those in private accommodations.
Professor Amartey also pointed out that many private hostel owners fail to comply with rental laws, particularly regarding tenancy agreements, which are crucial before renting out accommodations. He recounted an incident where students were evicted from their hostels by the Ghana Revenue Authority due to the owner’s unpaid taxes.
The Dean further expressed concern about incidents of sexual harassment faced by students from male hostel owners, which negatively impact the students. To manage such issues, the Students Representative Council’s constitution was amended to reinstate the Private Hostel Coordinator, who addresses students’ challenges in private hostels and acts as a liaison with the Dean.
He explained that some private hostels, despite being blacklisted for accommodation deficits, are still occupied by students due to their availability and lower cost. ‘Students go in for such hostels out of desperation and the need to find a place to lay their heads,’ he stated.
Professor Amartey commended the Western Regional Rent Department for their efforts to address the rental housing sector issues through community and institutional engagements. Mr. Courage Cornelius Sonu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Western Regional Rent Control Department, assured the university’s Dean of their commitment to tackling hostel rental concerns at the university.
He added that his office would collaborate with the Ghana Tourism Authority and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies and frameworks to address the issues in private hostels.