The Tenants Association of Ghana has accused the Rent Control Department, under the Ministry of Works and Housing, of neglecting its responsibility to safeguard the interests of tenants as mandated by law.

Speaking on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Chief Jerry Forson on Accra 100.5 FM on Friday, October 3, 2025, the Association’s Executive Director, Mr. Frederick Opoku, said the Department has become ineffective in enforcing the Rent Act of 1960 (Act 220, subsection 25).

According to him, the law clearly stipulates that landlords are not permitted to demand rent advances exceeding six months. However, in practice, many landlords continue to demand rent advances of two years or more, with little intervention from Rent Control.

“When you complain, the Department often comes to the defense of the landlords, saying tenants themselves make the offer to pay rent advances,” Mr. Opoku said.

He argued that the Department has, over the years, become a “toothless bulldog,” unable to act decisively in the face of widespread disregard for rental laws.

He further called for the collapse of the Department, insisting it has failed to protect the ordinary Ghanaian tenant.

In response, the Public Relations Officer of the Rent Control Department, Mr. Emmanuel Kpossu, dismissed the Association’s claims, describing them as mere opinion rather than fact.

“Those who know the worth of the Department always seek our assistance in times of need,” he stated, defending Rent Control’s relevance.

The exchange has reignited debate over Ghana’s rental housing challenges, particularly the issue of high advance payments, which many tenants say continues to worsen their living conditions when they called into the show.