By Mercy Darko
The search for accommodation and the financial burden that comes with it remains a major headache for many Ghanaians.
To address the situation, the government has launched the National Rental Assistance Scheme, targeting lower-income households, especially, the youth. The scheme will, among other things, discourage the payment of rent advance by creating a platform for tenants to pay on a monthly basis. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who launched the scheme in Accra today, said it is a policy intervention that will remove the burden on Ghanaians, as soft loans will be provided to the tenants, and this will be payable on a monthly basis
To this effect, a New Rent Bill has been submitted to Parliament for approval.
A current housing deficit of about 1.8 million, renting for residential purposes is a challenge for many due to the high demand. The problem is further compounded with landlords demanding one or two years rent advance.
The National Rental Assistance Scheme is to facilitate accessible and affordable rental housing to relieve low-to-middle income earners the burden of paying rent in advance.
One must however be a Ghanaian adult of 18 years and above with a valid Ghana card, employed or earning an income and must have a bank or mobile statement to access the scheme.
Dr. Bawumia said the scheme, which will be implemented in partnership with the private sector, will bridge the information and financial gap between landlords and tenants.
He also indicated that efforts are underway to digitize the Rent Control Department.
Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the Ministry is committed to addressing accommodation issues in the country. He said 30 million Ghana Cedis has been earmarked to kick start the project.
The Secretary General of the TUC, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, said the union fully supports the scheme. He however called on the Ministry to give priority to women, especially, single mothers.
In a solidarity message, a representative of the National Tenants’ Union of Ghana, Frederick Opoku, called for a statutory body to protect and enforce the implementation of the scheme without hindrance.
The pilot phase of the National Rental Assistance Scheme, will begin in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Eastern, Bono East and Northern Regions, and later extended to the remaining regions.
