The Ghana Association of Real Estate Brokers (GAREB) has criticised comments made by TV3 journalist and co-host Joseph Ackah Blay during a panel discussion on affordable housing on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Blay admitted on air that he had bypassed the services of a real estate agent in a property transaction, a disclosure GAREB described as unethical and damaging to the profession.

In a statement issued on September 24, the Association said the conduct described undermines the regulated role of real estate agents and misleads the public.

“Professional real estate agents in Ghana are regulated under the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047) by the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC).

Agents play a vital role in safeguarding clients, promoting transparency, and upholding professional standards in property transactions,” the statement read.

GAREB outlined several reasons why such behaviour is unacceptable: it undermines professional integrity, sets a dangerous precedent, contradicts ongoing efforts to sanitise the sector, and disrespects the ethical obligations tied to commission and fees.

The Association further faulted TV3 for allowing the comments to go unchallenged on a national platform, stressing that media outlets have a responsibility to protect the integrity of regulated professions.

As part of its advisory, GAREB encouraged brokers and agents to always secure signed agreements before property viewings, seek legal guidance for complex deals, and educate clients on the importance of professional representation.

GAREB reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the profession and called on stakeholders, media houses, and the public to support efforts toward building a transparent and ethical real estate sector in Ghana.