The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has urged members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa to exercise heightened caution ahead of planned demonstrations over immigration issues.

This is on the back of reports and viral videos of xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in some parts of the country.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, April 28, the mission advised Ghanaians, particularly those in Pretoria, to prioritise their personal safety as a group identified as the March Organisation prepares to march to the Presidency to present its grievances.

“I urge everyone to continue exercising heightened vigilance and to place the highest priority on personal safety during this period,” the statement said on behalf of the High Commissioner, Benjamin Anani Quashie.

The High Commission specifically called on Ghanaian shop owners to shut their businesses for the day and avoid areas where protests are expected.

“Shop owners are strongly encouraged to close their businesses for the day and avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place,” it said.

It also cautioned nationals against taking part in any public gatherings that could escalate into confrontations.

“Please refrain from participating in public gatherings that could escalate into confrontation,” the statement added.

Ghanaians were further advised to maintain a low profile and act with discretion both in public and online, including avoiding the sharing of content that could be seen as provocative or inflammatory.

The High Commission said it would provide further updates as the situation develops.

citinewsroom.com

The Rent Control Department has announced a nationwide compliance exercise targeting hostel operators across Ghana’s tertiary institutions, following concerns over alleged exploitative pricing, arbitrary rent increases, and excessive advance rent demands.

The Department said the move forms part of efforts to enforce compliance with the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), after receiving a formal petition from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) on April 23, 2026, calling for urgent action on hostel rent practices affecting students.

The intervention follows mounting concerns from students over rising accommodation costs, particularly in university communities where hostel demand continues to outstrip supply.

NUGS, in its petition, urged the Rent Control Department to strictly enforce existing laws, regulate hostel pricing structures, and improve access to redress mechanisms for students affected by unfair practices.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department warned that landlords and hostel operators found violating tenancy regulations will face sanctions, including possible prosecution.

“The concerns raised—particularly on arbitrary pricing, excessive advance rent demands, and non-compliance with tenancy procedures—are of significant public interest and fall within the regulatory scope of the Rent Act,” the Department stated.

As part of the enforcement measures, the Rent Control Department has outlined a nationwide inspection exercise targeting hostel facilities in major tertiary education zones.

The Department said the inspections are aimed at ensuring that hostel operators comply with lawful rent procedures and do not take advantage of students through inflated charges or illegal advance payments.

Officials have also reminded landlords that the law places limits on the amount of advance rent that can be collected, warning that breaches will not be tolerated.

“Landlords and hostel operators are hereby reminded that the law restricts the collection of advance rent beyond permissible limits. Any violation will attract sanctions, including prosecution under Act 220,” the statement cautioned.

Beyond enforcement, the Department says it will develop standardised guidelines to regulate hostel pricing and tenancy agreements, in consultation with stakeholders including student bodies, universities, and property owners.

A national stakeholder dialogue is also expected to be convened to agree on reforms that balance tenant protection with sustainable housing provision in tertiary communities.

In addition, a dedicated complaints mechanism will be introduced to allow students to report rent-related abuses without fear of victimisation.

The Rent Control Department has urged all hostel operators and property managers to regularise their operations in line with the law, stressing that ignorance of the Rent Act will not be accepted as a defence.

myjoyonline.com

The Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammi Awuku, has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to urgently address the recurring power supply challenges, warning that the situation is affecting students preparing for critical national examinations.

In a Facebook post on Monday, April 27, the MP expressed concern over the intermittent electricity supply, which he said is disrupting learning and creating anxiety among students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and those preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

“We’re all experiencing it again, this on-and-off power situation and honestly, it’s becoming quite worrying,” he wrote.

According to him, the unstable power supply is undermining students’ ability to concentrate on revision, especially during a period he described as “a very critical period” in their academic journey. He stressed that while examinations would proceed regardless of circumstances, learners needed a stable environment to prepare effectively.

“At the very least, let’s ensure our students are given a fair and stable environment to prepare for and write their exams,” he stated, adding a direct appeal to the government: “Please ACT Now!”

Mr Awuku further noted that beyond students, businesses, young entrepreneurs, and small-scale workers are also feeling the impact of the fluctuating power supply, describing the frustration among the public as “real” and increasingly widespread.

His comments come at a time when parts of the country have been experiencing intermittent electricity supply challenges, commonly referred to in previous years as “dumsor”. Such disruptions have historically affected households, commerce, and academic activities, raising public concern whenever they re-emerge.

Education stakeholders and parents have also repeatedly warned that unstable electricity during examination periods places additional pressure on candidates, many of whom rely on evening study hours for revision.

The MP’s appeal adds to growing calls for a swift and sustainable resolution to the power situation, particularly as thousands of students across the country prepare for major national examinations in the coming weeks.

myjoyonline.com