500,000 tenants to storm presidency, parliament over high rent

The National Tenants Union of Ghana (NATUG) has announced its plan to mobilize 500,000 Ghanaians to protest the high cost of rent in the country.

The move comes as an act of solidarity with the youth-led movement, the National Coalition of Youth Against High Rent in Ghana.

Reindolph Afrifa-Oware, NATUG’s Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, stated that successive governments have failed to implement effective laws to protect Ghanaian citizens regarding rent and housing.

Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he praised the youth coalition for its “courage and clarity of purpose” in confronting the “unaffordable housing and exploitative rental practices” that are plaguing the nation.

He emphasised that as the leading advocate for tenant rights, NATUG offers its full support and is prepared to collaborate with the youth.

“This is a positive fight,” Afrifa-Oware said. “For years, we have been pushing for laws that protect Ghanaians. Landlords are exploiting tenants and increasing their rent outrageously, putting a severe strain on them. We commend the youth group for pushing this agenda. We are prepared to support them and will take this agenda to the next level.”

He further stated that the goal is to mobilize 500,000 young people to march to Parliament and demand change. “Our leaders have made promises for years but have failed to deliver,” he lamented.

Afrifa-Oware called for “bold, transformative housing reforms” from both the Jubilee House and Parliament. “This is not just a moment; it is a movement,” he declared. “And we are committed to making it the most significant housing campaign in our nation’s democratic history. Let us unite, mobilize, and make history.”

Afrifa-Oware expressed frustration that a new housing law, which has been under consideration since 2020, has not yet been given the necessary attention.

He appealed to the Ghanaian media to support their initiative and bring their challenges to the attention of authorities.

“The situation in Ghana today is alarming,” he said. “We have young people using 90-100 percent of their salaries for rent, and it is creating a serious crisis for them. The Rent Control [department] is a toothless bulldog and has failed in discharging its duties. The current rent law in Ghana is outdated and not fit for purpose.”

Afrifa-Oware emphasized the urgent need for a review and enforcement of the Rent Act, 1963 (ACT 220), as outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 Manifesto.

He noted that despite the NDC’s promise to review the Act to introduce standardised residential housing and quality control, there has been no action since they won power eight months ago.

“The NDC government has a two-thirds majority in Parliament,” he stated. “What exactly have they done, and when will they deliver on their promises?”