Photo: Ketu North MP Edem Agbana
Ketu North MP Eric Edem Agbana has called for an “immediate review” of the outdated Rent Act, sparking fresh debate over Ghana’s housing challenges. Speaking on Facebook on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Agbana recalled drawing the House’s attention to the pressing issue of rent regulation.
In his fiery post, Agbana lambasted the current Rent Act of 1963 (Act 220) for failing to protect both tenants and landlords in today’s housing market. “The Rent Act is relic, and it’s time for a change,” he declared. He went on to demand the transformation of the existing Rent Control Department into a fully-fledged National Rent Authority, alongside the standardization of rent nationwide. These measures, he stressed, are critical to curbing the arbitrary rent hikes by landlords and ensuring fairness and affordability for millions of Ghanaians.
“These reforms are essential if we are to address the housing challenges facing our people,” Agbana explained. “It’s about time we stop being at the mercy of landlords and create a system that works for everyone.”
In an impassioned statement delivered on the floor of Parliament, Agbana laid out his recommendations:
“This afternoon, I delivered a statement on the floor of Parliament, highlighting the challenges within the current rent regime and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. I proposed key recommendations, including an immediate review of the outdated Rent Act, the transformation of the Rent Control Department into a fully-fledged National Rent Authority, and the standardization of rent nationwide to prevent the arbitrary determination of rent by landlords. These reforms are critical to addressing the housing challenges faced by millions of Ghanaians and ensuring fairness and affordability in our rental system. My gratitude goes to all colleague MPs who rose to support my statement and to the First Deputy Speaker for directing the sector minister to work on the reintroduction of the new bill. I am committed to pursuing this advocacy relentlessly until the changes we seek become a reality.”
The call for reform comes amid growing public frustration with an antiquated system that many say leaves renters exposed to unpredictable price increases and poor housing conditions. Agbana’s proposals have resonated with housing advocates and critics alike, marking a potential turning point in the quest for a more equitable rental market in Ghana.
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