The Rent Control Department is stepping up efforts to tighten enforcement of Ghana’s rent regulations, with plans underway to establish specialised courts to prosecute offenders who breach the country’s rent laws.
Frederick Opoku, Acting Commissioner of the Department, disclosed that discussions have begun with the Judicial Service of Ghana to create dedicated courts to handle rent-related violations.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring stricter compliance by both landlords and tenants, as part of broader reforms to strengthen rent administration in the country.
He made the remarks in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after leading inspections of student hostels across the country, following concerns raised over rising accommodation costs.
The visits were prompted by appeals from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), which called for intervention over escalating hostel fees affecting students.
Mr Opoku urged hostel operators to suspend any planned rent increases until their facilities have been properly assessed and approved under the relevant regulations.
“I will have to issue a statement that all hostel facilities not assessed should not attempt to increase their rents,” he stated, stressing that the law requires formal assessment before rent adjustments are made.
He explained that under Section 10 of the rent law, charging rent without proper assessment constitutes a legal breach.
Beyond enforcement, the Department is also working on a nationwide registration system for landlords and tenants to build a comprehensive national database of properties and occupants.
According to him, the database will improve coordination between state institutions and strengthen data-driven regulation of the rental sector.
“Rent is the foundation and fabric upon which everything is built, so we need to make the system more robust for people to enjoy,” he added.
Mr Opoku further revealed plans for a nationwide public education campaign to improve awareness of rent laws, noting that many violations stem from ignorance rather than deliberate non-compliance.
