John Dramani Mahama has urged tenants across Ghana to report landlords who demand rent advances beyond what the law allows, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement to prevent exploitation in the housing sector.
Speaking at a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, March 17, he expressed concern over the rising cost of housing, noting that rent and accommodation expenses are taking up a large share of household incomes.
He called for a nationwide discussion on housing, bringing together government, private sector players, and labour unions to develop a sustainable social housing policy. According to him, such collaboration is necessary to ensure affordable housing options, whether through mortgages or reasonably priced rental arrangements.
“Housing is a major challenge, and it is consuming a significant portion of people’s income. We need a national housing dialogue to find ways for government, the private sector, and labour to work together to provide affordable housing for workers,” he said.
President Mahama explained that Ghana’s housing deficit has contributed to the growing trend of landlords demanding excessive rent advances. Although the law caps rent advances at six months, some landlords continue to charge more, taking advantage of the situation.
He added that the problem persists partly because both tenants and landlords often avoid seeking redress through the Rent Control Department.
“The housing shortage is what allows some landlords to exploit tenants. Even though the law is clear about the six-month limit, many people are unwilling to go to the rent court to resolve these issues,” he noted.
The President encouraged tenants to take action by reporting landlords who violate the law, assuring that appropriate measures would be taken against offenders.
His comments come at a time when many Ghanaians have raised concerns about landlords demanding up to two years’ rent in advance.
