By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
A major step has been taken to improve student accommodation and tenant protection in Ghana following the successful launch of the NUGS RentCare App. The initiative was introduced in response to persistent concerns raised by students and a formal engagement and petition submitted by the National Union of Ghana Students, NUGS, with support from the National Tenants Union of Ghana, NATUG, over challenges affecting student accommodation across the country.
The concerns highlighted issues including unfair rent practices, inadequate tenancy documentation, difficulty in accessing complaint resolution channels, lack of tenant awareness, accommodation disputes and the need for stronger institutional support and accountability within student housing systems.
In response, NUGS, NATUG and CFLED, with support from the Office of the Rent Commissioner under the Rent Control Department, collaborated to establish a structured support system aimed at improving accommodation experiences for students and strengthening tenant protection mechanisms.
Speaking at the launch, Reindolph Afrifa-Oware stressed the need for practical tenant protection systems that directly benefit students. According to him, “Tenant protection must move beyond advocacy into practical systems that work for people. Students form one of the largest tenant populations in Ghana and they deserve access to information, proper tenancy documentation and clear channels to seek support.”
He further explained that the initiative goes beyond handling complaints and is intended to promote education, prevention and accountability within the student accommodation sector.
“This initiative is not only about receiving complaints. It is about education, prevention, accountability and building a culture of responsible tenancy. When students understand both their rights and responsibilities, accommodation outcomes improve for everyone,” he said.
Reindolph Afrifa-Oware also noted that the collaboration among the various institutions demonstrates the impact of practical partnerships focused on solving accommodation challenges facing students. “This collaboration demonstrates what can happen when institutions work together around practical solutions. We are creating a system that encourages lawful complaint handling, protects students and strengthens confidence in accommodation processes,” he added.
NATUG expressed appreciation to NUGS, CFLED, the Office of the Rent Commissioner, student leadership, stakeholders, development partners and all participants whose commitment and collaboration contributed to the successful launch of the initiative.
Students across Ghana are being encouraged to lodge accommodation-related complaints and access support through the NUGS RentCare App via rentcontrolghana.com. Stakeholders say the initiative marks the beginning of a stronger partnership aimed at promoting lawful tenancy, responsible accommodation practices and improved housing outcomes for students across Ghana.
