John Awuni, Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), has urged the government to initiate a national conversation on Ghana’s rapidly rising rent prices, describing the current rental landscape as arbitrary and burdensome to citizens.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Awuni expressed frustration at the lack of structure in Ghana’s rental market, drawing comparisons with systems in countries like the United States, where rent increases are more predictable and regulated.
“In the US, a landlord can’t just increase your rent without reason. You pay a fixed amount monthly, often for years. Here in Ghana, a landlord can jump your rent from GH¢2,000 to GH¢3,000 overnight once your lease expires—with no explanation,” Awuni noted.
He criticized what he described as opportunistic practices by some landlords who exploit high demand, particularly pointing to the influence of foreign tenants who are often willing to pay inflated prices.
According to Awuni, these unregulated hikes are worsening the housing crisis and putting immense financial pressure on working Ghanaians. He stressed the need for immediate policy intervention to bring sanity to the sector.
“This issue cannot be ignored. It’s affecting too many people. Government must step in and ensure some level of regulation to protect tenants,” he said.
Awuni’s comments add to growing public calls for reform in Ghana’s rental market, with stakeholders urging lawmakers to explore rent control mechanisms, enforce tenant protections, and promote affordable housing initiatives.
