‘Government Has No Control Over Rent in Ghana’ — Rent Control Officer Reveals
Mr. Asubonteng Addai Ike exposes how the government's inability to regulate rent has allowed landlords to dominate the market, creating a "black market" for housing.
Mr. Asubonteng Addai Ike, the Rent Control Officer for Atwima Nwabiagya, has revealed that the government has no real control over rent prices in Ghana.
He explained that the government’s inability to build sufficient rental housing has left landlords dominating the market, resulting in a “black market” for renting.
Speaking on Lawson TV/Radio’s “Ghana Se Sen” program on the topic “The Rent Crisis in Ghana: Challenges, Rights, and Solutions,” Mr. Addai Ike noted that while the government is making efforts to address the issue, the lack of regulation remains a major challenge.
He highlighted that, according to Ghana’s Rent Act of 1963 (Act 220), landlords are prohibited from increasing rent for a period of up to three years. Beyond this period, any increase must not exceed 50%.
Additionally, under Section 17(1)(c) of the Rent Act, landlords have the right to evict tenants for being a nuisance, causing annoyance, or engaging in immoral activities like fornication within the rented space.
Mr. Addai Ike’s comments reflect the urgent need for stricter enforcement of rental laws and increased efforts to provide affordable housing solutions in Ghana.
