Ghanaians on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, are calling for urgent action to reduce rent in the country, with the hashtag #RentMustBeReduced.
#RentMustBeReduced is currently trending on X as Ghanaians have taken to the platform to share frustrations over high housing costs and the government’s inaction.
According to these X users, rent in Ghana is unreasonably high and must be regulated, as landlords impose excessive charges while government leaders, including Minister for Works and Housing Adjei Kenneth Gilbert, fail to address the housing crisis.
“We live in a country that has rent control but rent has never been controlled since Kwame Nkrumah time #RentMustbeReduced” one user wrote.
Another added, “Do we even have a minister of works and housing in this country? We all see other ministers trying to get some jobs done this particular minister of works and housing is nowhere to be found @adjeikengilbert it’s time you show up to work. #RentMustbeReduced”
Another user simply expressed, “Both landlords and leaders have failed us. #RentMustbeReduced.”
One user also believes that some leaders are themselves property owners and therefore lack the incentive to push for rent reforms. “Most ministers and leaders who can address housing affordability are also estate and property owners, so they may not be inclined to act. #rentmustbereduced” the comment stated.
Some Ghanaians on X also expressed concerns over additional charges not stipulated in the Rent Act. “I have read the rent act and I don’t see anywhere it talks about agent fees and agents themselves. Why do we do this as humans to ourselves? #Rentmustbereduced” one post read.
The renewed public outcry comes amid complaints about high cost of rent and rent advances, sometimes requiring two years’ payment upfront, despite laws limiting such demands to six months.
