President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the continued disregard for rent advance regulations, despite existing laws limiting rent advances to a maximum of six months.
He said weak enforcement of the law has allowed unfair rental practices to persist, with many landlords still demanding excessive advance payments from prospective tenants.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Green City Project at Dedesua in the Ashanti Region, he observed that many tenants, driven by urgent housing needs, often fall victim to these practices and are reluctant to report offenders to the appropriate authorities for enforcement action.
“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 Mahama further stated that the National Home Ownership Fund will continue to provide long-term financing support, particularly for retirees, to help ensure housing security after years of public service.
He added that the Green City Project is timely, as government intensifies efforts to tackle the country’s growing housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.