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Tag: Rent

  • “I dey that matter top paaa” – John Dumelo’s update to constituents on rent matters

    “I dey that matter top paaa” – John Dumelo’s update to constituents on rent matters

    Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, has reiterated his commitment to addressing the country’s rent advance crisis, assuring constituents that the issue remains high on his agenda.

    In a recent social media exchange with a concerned citizen, Dumelo was reminded of his earlier pledge to push for rent advances to be capped at six months.

    In response, the MP confidently replied, “I dey that matter top paaa”—a popular phrase expressing firm assurance and control over a matter.

    Dumelo’s reassurance reflects his longstanding advocacy against the burdensome practice of landlords demanding one to two years’ rent advance, especially in urban areas like Accra. Even before entering Parliament, he openly criticized the housing system, calling such demands unfair and contrary to the Rent Act.

    Currently, Ghana’s Rent Act permits a maximum rent advance of six months, but weak enforcement has allowed landlords to sidestep the law, leaving many tenants vulnerable.

    Since assuming office, Dumelo has emphasized the need for Parliament to ensure strict adherence to the law and protect tenants from exploitation. With rent-related concerns continuing to surface online, his latest statement reaffirms that he is actively working behind the scenes to bring about real reform.

    His bold declaration, “I dey top paaa,” serves as both a promise and a signal that, despite the challenges, the fight to ease rent pressures is far from over.

  • My rent allowance as an MP covers payment for accommodation at Cantonments – Ablakwa

    My rent allowance as an MP covers payment for accommodation at Cantonments – Ablakwa

    Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has defended his housing arrangements, stating that his residence at Cantonments is fully covered by his rent allowance as an MP.

    Mr Ablakwa, who was sworn in as Foreign Affairs Minister on Friday, February 7, explained that Members of Parliament receive rent allowances to secure accommodation in suitable locations, such as Cantonments, where he currently resides.

    “What they failed to tell the Ghanaian people is that MPs receive rent allowance,” he emphasised, dismissing any claims of financial impropriety regarding his housing.

    He further clarified that his residence is legally funded through this allowance, just as other MPs who do not have government-provided accommodation rely on similar arrangements.

    Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, February 8, he further dismissed allegations that he secretly owns a property at Airport Hills registered under his sister’s name. He challenged his critics to produce evidence to back their claims.

    “I challenge them to put out that evidence that shows that the Airport Hills residence belongs to me and that I’ve put it in my sister’s name. That’s absolutely untrue. That property doesn’t belong to me,” he stated.

    Condemning the spread of misinformation, he urged the public to focus on verified facts instead of being misled by baseless accusations.

    “It is important that we focus on facts and not allow misinformation to mislead the public,” he added.

    Ablakwa reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability in public service, calling on Ghanaians to seek the truth and not fall for politically motivated falsehoods.

    “I have always upheld transparency, and I will continue to serve with honesty and dedication,” he concluded.

  • Rental prices in Kumasi increases by 50% to 130%

    Rental prices in Kumasi increases by 50% to 130%

    In Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, accommodation costs have risen sharply over the last two years due to increased prices of building materials, goods, and services.

    Research by the B&FT reveals that rents have jumped between 50 and 130 percent. For example, a self-contained single-room apartment that cost GH¢150 per month in 2022 now rents for GH¢350 to GH¢400.

    A single-room apartment with a shared toilet and bathroom, previously priced at GH¢60 to GH¢80, now ranges from GH¢100 to GH¢200.

    Moreover, a two-bedroom house in Kumasi, which used to rent for about GH¢500, now ranges from GH¢600 to GH¢1,000.

    This rise in rental prices has caused concern, as landlords often require rent payments for one or two years in advance, putting financial strain on tenants. Consequently, tenants are now paying between GH¢6,000 and GH¢24,000 for two years of accommodation, depending on the type of housing.

    In an interview, Agnes Quaye, a landlady in Sokoban, Kumasi, who has been renting out rooms for nearly two decades, explained that the dramatic increase in building material costs since 2022 has led to higher rents.

    “I do not charge exorbitant rates for my rooms. I take GH¢200 for my single-room with a shared bathroom and toilet, and GH¢600 for my two-bedroom house. Some landlords who do not have other sources of income often price their rates very high. I increased my rates in 2022 when goods and services on the market shot up significantly,” she explained.

    Asked if she would reduce her rent should prices of goods and services decrease, Madam Quaye was quick to say: “I am not sure the price of cement will drop to GH₵50,” she stressed.

    Meanwhile, some renters are expressing frustration over the rising rates and are urging for immediate action to ease their situation.

    Kofi Osei, a 46-year-old courier with a family of six, has been renting a two-bedroom house in Brofoyedu, Atwima Kwanwoma Municipality near Kumasi, for more than nine years. He explained that his rent, which was GH¢4,800 for two years, was raised to GH¢10,000 last December when his lease ended.

    He told B&FT that the rent hike has significantly impacted his budget, making it challenging for him to afford the increased amount.

    “It’s just too much,” he lamented, adding that “I have a wife and four children, one of whom is in university. Other goods and services are equally expensive, and adding this rent is just too much. I plead with government to intervene and build more affordable houses for people like us to rent, or else these property owners will run us dry.”

  • Tenants asks Parliament to approve Rent Bill 2022 before dissolution

    Tenants asks Parliament to approve Rent Bill 2022 before dissolution

    Tenants nationwide are urging Parliament to pass the Rent Bill 2022 before the 8th Parliament concludes its session.

    The National Tenants Union of Ghana has voiced concerns about the exorbitant rent prices and the difficulties faced by local businesses and tenants due to demands for advance rent payments exceeding six months, which is forbidden under Section 25(5) of the Rent Act, 1963.

    The Union criticized landlords for ignoring rent regulations and acting with impunity, while the Rent Control Department remains inactive.

    They highlighted the growing challenges of conducting business in Ghana, pointing out unlawful additional charges known as ‘Goodwill’ for leasing properties for 10-15 years without providing receipts, which violates Section 25(5) of Act 220 (1963).

    In key areas like Osu, Labone, Ridge, Airport, Spintex, and others in Accra, commercial tenants are reportedly being forced to pay illegal non-refundable charges (Goodwill) ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, further contravening the law.

    The Rent Bill 2022, which aims to tackle these problems, was approved by the cabinet in November 2022 and subsequently sent to Parliament. In 2023, the bill was read for the first time and referred to the Housing Select Committee for further review. However, there has been no advancement for over 15 months.

    As Parliament reconvenes today, June 11, 2024, the Union is appealing to legislators to prioritize and expedite the passage of the Rent Bill.

    They are urging that it be passed and signed by the President before the 8th Parliament adjourns in December 2024, warning that failure to do so would require restarting the entire process.

  • Don’t charge us more for rent – Importers tell GSA over internet outage

    Importers and freight forwarders at the Tema Port are urging the Ghana Shippers Authority to ensure that shipping lines do not impose additional charges for demurrages due to delays caused by the recent internet disruption in the country.

    The widespread internet disruption has adversely affected the clearance of cargo at Ghana’s largest seaport, resulting in demurrages.

    Paulina Abrokwah, co-chairperson of the Technical Committee of the Tema District of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), highlighted the significant impact on the cost of doing business at the port.

    “We’re hoping that with the situation at least some of the service providers like the shipping lines and terminals will be considerate and waive the extra cost related to any delay that will occur.

    “We are hoping that the Ghana Shippers Authority will take the lead in this and ensure that traders or importers don’t have to suffer to pay demorages as a result of this general internet outage,” she explained.

    According to JoyNews, she anticipates the intervention of the Ghana Shippers Authority to prevent shipping lines from exploiting the situation to impose additional charges for the delays caused by the internet disruption.

    “One area that area that was really bad was the banks. They were unable to pay duty, at least, as of Friday. Once you’re not able to pay, you cannot continue with the rest of the processes,” she said.

    The National Communication Authority (NCA) has estimated that it could take at least five weeks to restore the faulty undersea cables and stabilize connections in the affected countries.

    In response, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Azaki Awingobit, has called on the Economic Management Team (EMT) to promptly devise a Plan B to prevent importers from facing hardships.

  • Prove financial support by publishing names of beneficiaries of National Rental Assistance Scheme – NATUG

    Prove financial support by publishing names of beneficiaries of National Rental Assistance Scheme – NATUG

    The National Tenants’ Union of Ghana has demanded the immediate publication of the names of beneficiaries under the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), organized by regions and communities.

    This request follows former Minister of Works and Housing Francis Asenso Boakye‘s announcement that 1,492 citizens received a total disbursement of GH¢19 million through the NRAS.

    Launched on January 31, 2023, by the Ministry of Works and Housing, the NRAS aimed to alleviate issues related to rent advance payments in Ghana.

    However, the National Tenants’ Union of Ghana expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of specific details regarding the beneficiaries in the report presented to the House.

    To address this transparency gap, the Union is demanding the immediate publication of beneficiary names, organized by regions and communities.

    They argue that this step will allow stakeholders to evaluate and contribute to shaping the policy for more effective implementation and impact.

    Additionally, the Union is urging the Ministry of Housing to initiate a stakeholder engagement process and temporarily suspend the NRAS.

    This pause would enable a comprehensive review to address identified anomalies that could potentially hinder the scheme’s success.

    Among the issues raised are the high 24% interest rate on the rent loan, non-refundable loan processing fees of GH¢100.00, and the duration for which rent advance payments are made to beneficiaries.

  • A single room in Canada is over GHC 18k – Hawa Koomson ‘shuts’ critics of rent prices in Ghana

    A single room in Canada is over GHC 18k – Hawa Koomson ‘shuts’ critics of rent prices in Ghana

    Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended Ghana’s rental prices amid increasing concerns about the high cost of living.

    During a recent interview on Onua FM’s morning show, Yɛn Nsɛmpa, hosted by Nana Yaa Brefo and JB, the Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament encouraged Ghanaians to consider rental rates in comparison to those in Canada.

    She emphasised her recent trip to Canada, pointing out that even renting a single room there could exceed 2,000 Canadian dollars per month, which is considerably higher than in Ghana.

    “People have been complaining that rent is expensive in Ghana. They should go to Canada. For a month, you pay over 2,000 Canadian dollars. That’s for a single room, not even a chamber or hall.

    “Things are hard now, and there is a high cost of living everywhere, and when you compare Ghana to other countries, Ghana is doing far better,” she said in Twi.

  • If rent is expensive in Ghana, then go to Canada – Hawa Koomson

    If rent is expensive in Ghana, then go to Canada – Hawa Koomson

    Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended Ghana’s rental prices amid increasing concerns about the high cost of living.

    During a recent interview on Onua FM’s morning show, Yɛn Nsɛmpa, hosted by Nana Yaa Brefo and JB, the Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament encouraged Ghanaians to consider rental rates in comparison to those in Canada.

    She emphasised her recent trip to Canada, pointing out that even renting a single room there could exceed 2,000 Canadian dollars per month, which is considerably higher than in Ghana.

    “People have been complaining that rent is expensive in Ghana. They should go to Canada. For a month, you pay over 2,000 Canadian dollars. That’s for a single room, not even a chamber or hall.

    “Things are hard now, and there is a high cost of living everywhere, and when you compare Ghana to other countries, Ghana is doing far better,” she said in Twi.

    Mavis Hawa Koomson, Ghana’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, staunchly defended the nation’s affordable rental rates amidst global economic challenges.

    She attributed this affordability to the government’s diligent efforts.

    Addressing criticisms comparing living conditions between Ghana and Canada, Koomson refuted claims that Canada offered superior living standards. She argued that the cost of living in Canada doesn’t necessarily outweigh that of Ghana.

    In defence of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Koomson highlighted the distribution of food items to citizens as a critical intervention.

    She explained that, unlike in Canada, where financial stipends were provided, Ghana opted for food distribution due to resource constraints.

  • My next govt will provide you a rent assistance scheme – Mahama promises teachers, farmers

    My next govt will provide you a rent assistance scheme – Mahama promises teachers, farmers

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has announced the introduction of a rent assistance scheme in his next government aimed at assisting teachers and farmers in securing affordable housing.

    As to how the scheme would operate, the former president explained that a portion of the workers’ salaries would be deducted monthly until they fully covered the cost of the house.

    While addressing his supporters in Nsawura as part of his ‘Building the Ghana We Want’ tour in the Western Region, he emphasised that these homes will be priced in the local currency.

    According to Mr Mahama, such a scheme has become imperative owing to the 2-year advance rent scheme being practiced by some landlords.

    “Many workers are struggling with the 2-year advance rent scheme, and their salaries aren’t always enough to cover the costs. My government will support associations like teachers and farmers by implementing a rent assistance scheme to help build houses for their workers. We will deduct a portion of their monthly salaries for this purpose, and by the time they retire, they’ll have their own houses. We will take the housing scheme seriously. When I say housing, what I mean is affordable housing, and we will endeavour to price it in our local currency,” he said.

    The 2-year advance rent scheme, where some landlords demand for payment of rend for 2 years and more, has been frowned upon by many, especially tenants.

    Public Relations Officer of the Rent Control Department, Emmanuel Kporsu, has clarified the 2-year rent advance scheme, stating that paying a landlord more than six months’ rent is not considered a criminal offense.

    According to Mr Kporsu, the legality hinges on whether the landlord specifically demanded payment for more than six months.

    He clarified that the law explicitly prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to pay one to two years of rent. However, if a tenant voluntarily chooses to pay for an extended period, even up to two years, without any explicit demand from the landlord, it does not constitute an offense under the law.

    Section 25 subsection 5 of the Rent Act, 1963, Act 220 states that “A person who as a condition of the grant, renewal or continuance of a tenancy demands in the case of a monthly or shorter tenancy, the payment in advance of more than a month’s rent or in the case of a
    tenancy exceeding six months, the payment in advance of more than six months rent, commits an offence and is liable on conviction by the Rent Magistrate to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units.”

  • Meet the community where people pay GHC40 as rent per month

    Meet the community where people pay GHC40 as rent per month

    Over the years, the availability of rental properties has decreased while their prices have risen significantly. Lately, this situation has worsened even further.

    Even though it’s a basic necessity for everyone, finding a decent place to live with reasonably favorable surroundings is now quite expensive.

    And especially in places like Accra, people can pay as much as millions for rent whereas the least for an average house is within GH¢400 to about GH¢800 per a month for a single room chamber and hall and sometimes very rarely, a 2 bedroom which sometimes could go for GH¢1,000. 

    But in a remote village in the Eastern Region of Ghana, the situation is quite different, people pay as little as GH¢40 rent. 

    At Gojiase a suburb of the Suhum Municipality, residents pay this amount for a regular block-constructed building with basic amenities including a bathroom and a toilet. 

    Revealing this to Zionfelix in an interview, a teacher in the community; Owusu Ansah explained that he for example paid GH¢30 for the first few years and then had a slight increase from his landlord.

    “The very year I came here, I paid GH¢30 cedis rent; that is 2 years ago and the man wanted to renew it this year; he wanted GH¢50 cedis but I gave him GH¢40 cedis. I pay per year, that is GH¢480 Ghana cedis per year. 

    “They are not thatched houses, it’s a block house with ceilings. We have a bathroom and toilet; the KVIP type,” he noted. 

    Speaking about other living conditions of persons in the Gojiase community, Owusu Ansah explained that the community mostly comprising of farmers, has two sources of water; a borehole and a stream. 

    He also revealed that residents mostly cook their own food in their homes and added that the main mode of transportation in the town is motorbikes because it is difficult to get vehicles. 

    “Everybody prepares their food in their own homes. Kenkey is GH¢1.50p, GH¢2. We use a community borehole and there’s a stream also there. 

    “If you put yourself in their shoes, you can stay here. The mode of transportation here; Okada has taken over. From here to Suhum, Okada will take GH¢8 and car will take GH¢6. For cars, it is a problem, you can be at the station for 2 to 4 hours before the car gets full and the driver moves,” Owusu Ansah added. 

  • New Rent Control bill will make it illegal to charge more than a year’s rent in advance – Rent Control

    New Rent Control bill will make it illegal to charge more than a year’s rent in advance – Rent Control

    The Rent Control Department has invited Ghanaians to submit memoranda regarding the draft rent bill for consideration. In 2022, the Cabinet approved the draft rent bill and forwarded it to parliament for discussion.

    Mr. Emmanuel Kporsu, the Public Relations Officer for Rent Control, emphasized the importance of receiving memoranda from individuals, groups, and stakeholders to refine the new rent bill.

    He encouraged all concerned Ghanaians to actively participate in the review process and share their recommendations and expectations with their respective members of parliament, as the House prepares to debate the draft bill.

    The proposed bill includes provisions that make it unlawful for landlords to demand rent in advance for more than one month in a monthly lease or tenancy less than one month, and for more than one year in a year tenancy exceeding one year.

    Any tenant found paying rent in excess of one year after the bill becomes law will be in violation of the legislation.

    Mr. Kporsu highlighted that the new bill is the result of thorough discussions and proposals, aiming to bring much-needed improvements to the rental sector.

    He also pointed out that the existing rent law, enacted 59 years ago, has become outdated and needs to be replaced to better serve the current needs of tenants and landlords.

    “As parliament debates the bill, we encourage Ghanaians to submit their suggestions and memoranda.”

    This suggestion can be made to your MP, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Rent Control Department.

    Ghanaians should take advantage of this opportunity to submit suggestions before the bill is considered and passed. We don’t want a situation where the law is approved and Ghanaians complain about not being consulted,” Mr Kporsu said.

  • It’s illegal to rent your properties to foreigners without permit – Lawyer

    It’s illegal to rent your properties to foreigners without permit – Lawyer

    Private Legal Practitioner, Lawyer Mildred Acheampong, has warned Landlords and Landladies to desist from renting apartments to non-citizens who do not have resident permits. 

    Speaking in an interview on XYZ TV, she stated that renting apartments has legal implications. 

    “It is so important to know whether a foreigner seeking to rent your apartment has a residence permit or not,” she said. 

    She stressed that the laws of the state frowns upon accommodating foreigners without permits since some may be fleeing their countries over various reasons, including running away from authorities in their home countries after committing crimes. 

    Additionally, she said Landladies and Landlords who fail to comply with the laws in relation to this are likely to be fined by the state.

    She noted that although citizens from neighboring countries can come to Ghana using their ECOWAS cards and engage in trade activities due to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and other policies aimed at boosting trade and cooperation among African countries, such persons who wish to stay longer than the stipulated time for their trading activities need to seek resident permits. 

    “If someone does not have the permit and you host the person, it only means you’re hosting an illegal immigrant in your house,” she stated. 

    “Someone may have committed a crime in their native country and is seeking to take refuge in Ghana and has come to stay in your house. So any non-Ghanaian citizen seeking to reside in Ghana needs a definite resident permit,” she added.

  • Average Rent in Canada rises over $2,000 for the First Time

    For the first time, the national rent average for all types of property in Canada soared over $2,000 in November, marking a 2.5 per cent rise from October, according to a report from Rentals.ca

    Renters in 2022 are paying approximately $224 more this year than they were in 2021, marking a 12.4 per cent increase.

    Rent was highest in Vancouver, where the average price for a one-bedroom apartment was $2,633. A two-bedroom apartment cost nearly $1,000 more per month.

    Toronto ranked second with an average price of $2,532 for a one-bedroom, while the two-bedrooms cost on average $3,347.

    Meanwhile, Montreal clocked in at 23rd place with the average rent being $1,572 for a one-bedroom. A two-bedroom apartment in Montreal cost approximately $2,072.

    Seven of the top 10 most expensive cities to live in are in Ontario, while British Columbia had the remaining three.

    Atlantic Canada represented the fastest-growing rental market in Canada, according to the report with a 31.8 per cent rise in rental rates as of November. Halifax ranked 13th in the list of most expensive cities to live in.

    Source: Complex.com