KTU: Rent Control, GTA Shut Down Two Hostels Over Poor Sanitation

The Ghana Tourism Authority and the Rent Control Commission have ordered the closure of two private hostels near Koforidua Technical University following concerns about poor sanitation and unacceptable living conditions.

The affected facilities, Serwaa Heights Hostel and Adehye3 Hostel, were closed after students complained about the conditions under which they were living.

Officials from the Eastern Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority, together with Acting Rent Control Commissioner Frederick Opoku, conducted an unannounced inspection of selected hostels around the university.

The inspection team, led by the GTA’s Eastern Regional Director, Jones Haruna Nelson, first met with the Dean of Students and later briefed the university’s Vice-Chancellor before visiting the facilities.

Poor Conditions Found at Serwaa Heights

At Serwaa Heights Hostel, located approximately 300 metres from Koforidua Technical University’s small gate, officials reportedly found poor sanitation, inadequate maintenance and weak management practices.

The Ghana Tourism Authority also discovered that the hostel had not been registered with the authority.

According to the GTA’s regional director, the conditions at the facility made it unsuitable for student accommodation. The hostel was consequently served with a closure notice.

Despite the condition of the property, students said they were paying GH¢9,000 per year for single rooms. Those sharing rooms with two other occupants reportedly paid GH¢5,000 each annually.

Refuse Found at Adehye3 Hostel

The inspection team also visited Adehye3 Hostel, situated behind the university’s main campus.

Officials reportedly found piles of refuse at the entrance of the facility, raising further concerns about sanitation and the health of students living there.

Some residents expressed disappointment with the condition of the hostel and called on the authorities to close it immediately.

Following the inspection, the Ghana Tourism Authority issued closure notices to both Serwaa Heights and Adehye3 hostels.

Authorities Promise Refunds to Students

Acting Rent Control Commissioner Frederick Opoku assured affected students that efforts would be made to recover and refund money they had already paid to the hostel operators.

He said the Rent Control Commission would continue working with the Ghana Tourism Authority to protect students who rent private accommodation.

The two institutions also indicated that inspections would continue in other parts of the country to identify hostels operating without the required licences or under poor sanitary conditions.

Authorities warned that hostel owners who exploit students or fail to provide safe and acceptable accommodation could face similar enforcement action.

The exercise forms part of efforts to improve standards in private student accommodation and ensure that hostel operators comply with sanitation, safety and licensing requirements.