National Tenants Association of Ghana: Rent Control Department Should Be Dissolved

The National Tenants Association of Ghana otherwise known as NATAG, an umbrella organisation representing tenants in Ghana, says the Rent Control Department should be dissolved due to its inability in resolving the rent problems confronting tenants in the nation.

The group, which aims at assisting tenants through education, legal information and lobbying for tenants legislation and rights, expressed disappointment in the Rent Control Department for not attaching any seriousness to the Rent Act regulating the activities of landowners.

General Secretary of the Association, Federick Opoku, speaking to Radio Gold, indicated that the Department is in disarray as it cannot find solutions to the challenges tenants face in the hands of landlords.

He bemoaned the laxity showed by the officials in addressing the housing needs of tenants and ensuring a review of the Rent Act that to him, has remained the same since 1966.

He also expressed worry that the Rent Control Department enjoys little or no support from government, revealing that the Department has just one vehicle for its operations.

“A whole Rent Control given a particular space in the law to implement this thing because they see the importance of rent issues as very important issues, has only one vehicle; the whole Ghana. It is rather unfortunate...And I wonder, is it government that is not responsible?” he questioned.

He further explained that currently, the nation has run into a housing deficit of over 1.6 million; resulting in a situation where demand for housing and accommodation outmatch supply, obviously increasing the cost of rent.

He also accused the officials at the Rent Control Department of corruption and being remiss in their duties.

Mr. Federick Opoku therefore called on government to either reshuffle the Rent Control authorities or totally strip them off their positions.

“Issues that go to Rent Control are not resolved. Either they are corrupt; they are corrupt...corruption is the main heading here...The essence of the existence of the Rent Control is in doubt. I am suggesting that I don’t see the importance, that’s why the tenant associations are coming together [this association is coming together] either to represent or to kick away the Rent Control because we don’t see the importance of it.”

Admitting that the Rent Control Department is bereft of the necessary resources, he appealed to government to ensure that the Department is well-equipped in order to streamline their activities.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana