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The Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, paid a working visit to the Rent Control Department, one of the nation’s important institutions operating under the Ministry.

The minister had an interaction with both tenants and landlords who recounted the issues they go through in their dealings with the department and engaged the officials who also shared their challenges with me.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye was excited to announce that the Ministry is currently engaging the Ministry of Communication and Digitisation to digitalize the operations of the Rent Control Department.

This, according to the minister, will ensure that the department speeds up its operations, communicate with its client's efficiency and effectiveness, and provide a sustainable income flow for the operations of the Department.

He added that the Ministry 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 and ensure that it efficiently performs its mandate.

Again, he said 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 the government.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye used the opportunity to commend the management and staff of the organisation for holding the fort over the years amidst the difficulties.

He urged them to continue to put up their best since the issue of rent and its attendant effect is very topical and sensitive within the socio-economic setup of the country.