President John Dramani Mahama has called on prospective tenants to report landlords who demand more than six months’ rent advance to the Rent Court, warning that offenders will be held accountable under the law.
The President’s directive comes amid growing concerns over rising housing costs and what he described as exploitative practices by some landlords.
Speaking on housing and sanitation, President Mahama identified accommodation as a major national challenge, noting that rent payments are consuming a significant portion of household incomes.
He announced plans for a national housing dialogue involving government, the private sector, and organised labour to develop a sustainable social housing policy aimed at improving affordability.
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According to him, the policy will focus on enabling workers to access housing through manageable mortgage schemes or rent at favourable rates, while addressing the country’s housing deficit.
“The reason private landlords are taking advantage is because of the shortage in housing,” he indicated.
President Mahama pointed to Kenya’s social housing programme as a model worth emulating, highlighting how the East African country has successfully delivered hundreds of thousands of housing units for citizens, including public sector workers.
He also raised concerns about past mortgage arrangements in Ghana, particularly those denominated in foreign currencies. He explained that exchange rate instability made it difficult for many workers to repay loans, often leading to the loss of their homes.
The President emphasized the need for locally driven and sustainable financing solutions to make home ownership more accessible and protect tenants from unfair rental practices.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
