Ghana's Rising Rent Burden Demands Government Action

Growing concerns over the high cost of renting accommodation in Ghana have reignited calls for urgent government intervention, as many households struggle to cope with rent increases that far outpace incomes. Mr Richard Kumadoe, a Security and Fraud Prevention Expert, has described the current rent situation as a “killer burden” on families, arguing that the scarcity of housing units and the absence of an effective affordable housing system have turned rent into a major socio-economic challenge nationwide. In a statement, copied to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Kumadoe noted that commercial house rents in towns, villages and cities have become increasingly intolerable, placing enormous pressure on individuals and families, particularly young people who depend on rented accommodation. According to him, rent charges continue to rise steadily while salaries and monthly wages remain largely stagnant, making it difficult for many workers to meet basic housing needs. Mr Kumadoe called on the government to give rent regulation the same level of policy attention currently being directed at challenges in urban transportation and infrastructure, stressing that housing remains a fundamental human need. He said meaningful government intervention, including strengthened rent control mechanisms and expanded affordable housing initiatives, would ease the hardship faced by millions of Ghanaians and restore dignity to tenants. Mr Kumadoe added that addressing the rent challenge would not only improve living standards but also contribute to social stability and economic productivity. He urged policymakers to act decisively, noting that sustained inaction could deepen inequality and worsen living conditions for vulnerable groups who rely on commercial housing for shelter. Source: GNA