The Rent Control Department wants the government to provide it with adequate logistics to effectively aid its work.
The department says it has only two vehicles nationwide, which is woefully inadequate.
This follows a public backlash that the rent control department is underperforming.
Speaking to the media after a visit to the rent control offices in Accra by a team from the Ministry of Works and Housing, Chief Rent Officer, Twum Ampofo said the provision of vehicles by the government is one of the department’s pressing needs.
“We are still asking for more logistics. In fact, with the help of the Chief Director, we have been able to acquire some vehicles but when you look at the volume of the work across the nation, we have only two vehicles which is not enough. So if the Ministry can provide us with more, at least, it will help us with monitoring of activities.”
Rent Control Department to be revamped – Asenso-Boakye
The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has said revamping the Rent Control Department is high on the agenda of the government.
In his address to the press after the visit, he announced that the Ministry of Works and Housing is currently engaging the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation to digitalise the operations of the Rent Control Department.
“The digitalisation will ensure that the department speeds up its operations, communicate with its clients digitally, and provide a sustainable income flow for the operations of the department,” he said.
Additionally, Mr. Asenso-Boakye announced that the government is in the process of reviewing the existing Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), to sanitize rent administration regulation in the housing sector, and commercial properties.
This will include the restructuring of the administrative set-up of the Rent Control Department to position the Department to efficiently perform its mandate.
“The new Act is intended to safeguard the rights of vulnerable tenants who have been outpriced by the uncontrollable hikes in the cost of rental accommodation, and also promote the development of rent-to-own housing schemes that are being piloted by this government,” Mr. Asenso-Boakye asserted.
He commended the management and staff of the organisation for holding the fort over the years amidst the difficulties and urged them to continue to put up their best since the issue of rent and its attendant effect is very important and sensitive within Ghana’s socio-economic set-up.