Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku has predicted a major overhaul of Ghana’s housing sector under the leadership of newly appointed Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim.
Mr. Opoku said his interactions with the minister since his assumption of office had convinced him that the ministry was poised for significant changes in the years ahead.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on accra based Starr FM monitored by Kumasi Mail, the Acting Rent Commissioner said the minister had demonstrated a willingness to confront the sector’s longstanding challenges rather than conceal them.
“Looking at my caliber and the caliber of the new minister, I’m telling you, there’s going to be a revolution in the housing sector,” he said.
‘No cover’ approach
Mr. Opoku described Ahmed Ibrahim as a “solid” minister and expressed confidence in President John Mahama’s decision to appoint him.
According to him, the minister’s approach to the sector so far has been marked by openness and a readiness to identify problems and seek solutions.
“He has proven his worth. Somebody who comes to office, open up, what are the challenges? No cover. It is not about the MPP. It’s about housing,” he said.
Mr. Opoku suggested that such an approach could help move housing policy away from partisan considerations and towards addressing practical challenges affecting Ghanaians.
Rent Control to play key role
The Acting Rent Commissioner also highlighted the role of the Rent Control Department in any broader reform of the housing sector.
He explained that the department occupies a critical position because it serves as the link between landlords and tenants, particularly in addressing disputes and enforcing rental regulations.
“I am the interface between the landlord and the tenant,” he said.
He therefore pledged the department’s support for efforts aimed at improving housing infrastructure and addressing challenges within the rental sector.
Housing Ministry tipped to become ‘powerhouse’
Mr. Opoku further predicted that the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry could become one of the most influential arms of government if the proposed reforms are successfully implemented.
“You’re going to see a new Housing Ministry. A powerhouse of the government,” he said.
His comments come at a time when Ghana’s housing sector continues to face significant challenges, including housing shortages, high rental costs and concerns over access to affordable accommodation.
While Mr. Opoku did not outline specific policies that would constitute the anticipated “revolution,” he expressed strong confidence that the new minister’s leadership style could usher in a new direction for the sector.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
