President John Dramani Mahama has expressed worry over the persistent flouting of rules on rent advance payments, even though the law caps such payments at six months.
He said poor enforcement has allowed exploitative rental practices to continue, with numerous landlords still asking for advance payments beyond the legal limit from people looking for accommodation.
Speaking at the sod-cutting for the Green City Project in Dedesua, Ashanti Region, he noted that many tenants, pressured by urgent housing needs, often accept these demands and hesitate to report violators to the right authorities.
“We have a rent court that is supposed to prosecute cases where house owners take more than six months. Unfortunately, both the house owner and the one who wants to rent the property are not prepared to go and report.
“That has been the main problem in enforcing this law. The one who wants to rent needs a place to lay his head and the landlord also wants money to invest in something. Our goal is simple, fairness, protection and dignity for tenants,” he said.
President Dramani Mahama added that the National Home Ownership Fund will keep offering long-term financing, especially for retirees, to help secure housing after years of public service.
He also said the Green City Project comes at the right time, as government steps up efforts to address Ghana’s widening housing shortfall and improve access to affordable homes.
