Member of Parliament for Ketu North urges reforms in Ghana’s Rent Regime
Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah to complete physical infrastructure projects, particularly accommodation facilities for the military.
The global housing market in 2024 experienced a mix of challenges and recoveries, shaped by economic conditions, policy changes, and shifting consumer demand
The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has assured that his tenure will see the completion of physical infrastructure projects, particularly accommodation facilities for the military.
Acknowledging the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) critical accommodation deficit, he revealed that the military currently lacks about 17,000 housing units. He stated that several projects, some dating as far back as 2010 during President Mills’s administration, remain incomplete, and he has pledged to ensure their completion.
Dr Omane Boamah made these remarks during an engagement with members of the Defence Press Corps in Accra, where discussions focused on the challenges media personnel face in covering defence-related issues and ways to improve collaboration.
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Department of Public Relations (DPR) at the GAF, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie; Deputy Minister-designate for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi.
Dr Omane Boamah reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all outstanding projects within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are completed. He stressed that new projects must have clear financing plans to avoid delays caused by financial constraints.
He highlighted the government’s priority to improve infrastructure, enhance logistics, and strengthen military training to boost operational efficiency. He assured that his administration would build on the successes of past governments to keep the GAF highly trained, well-equipped, and motivated to operate at peak capacity.
During an engagement with members of the Defence Press Corps in Accra, the minister emphasized the importance of fostering better collaboration between the media and the military in covering defence-related issues. He acknowledged the challenges journalists face in reporting on military matters and encouraged closer engagement to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.
The meeting was attended by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, Director-General of the Department of Public Relations (DPR) at the GAF; Deputy Minister-designate for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi; and other senior military officials.
Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, has called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s rent system, highlighting the frustration and hardship it causes, particularly for the youth, low-income earners, and vulnerable groups.
In his first formal statement on the floor of Parliament, he emphasized the high cost of rent, limited access to affordable housing, and the weak enforcement of existing rent laws.
He pointed to the exorbitant rent costs in major cities, the country’s housing deficit of over two million units, and the widespread practice of landlords demanding multi-year rent advances, despite legal restrictions. He attributed these challenges to poor urban planning, an under-resourced Rent Control Department, limited access to mortgage financing, inconsistent government policies, and rising construction costs.
To address the crisis, he proposed a comprehensive review and enforcement of the Rent Act, the restructuring of the Rent Control Department into a Ghana Rent Authority, and the establishment of a National Rent Assistance Scheme to support low-income earners. He also called for increased investment in affordable housing, regulation of rent pricing, tax incentives for developers, policies to lower building material costs, and the introduction of a rent tribunal system to resolve disputes.
He urged Parliament to take immediate action to ensure fair and sustainable housing policies that will alleviate the burden of excessive rent costs on Ghanaians.
The global housing market in 2024 experienced a mix of challenges and recoveries, shaped by economic conditions, policy changes, and shifting consumer demand. While some markets showed signs of stabilization, others faced affordability crises and declining investment.
In major economies like the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, housing prices remained high, although the rapid price appreciation seen in previous years slowed. Higher interest rates, implemented by central banks to curb inflation, contributed to reduced mortgage affordability, leading to a cooling in demand. The United Kingdom, for instance, saw a modest price correction in some regions as buyers struggled with borrowing costs.
In emerging markets, trends varied significantly. Countries in Latin America, such as Brazil and Mexico, experienced moderate growth, driven by strong population growth
One of the dominant themes of 2024 was the shift towards sustainability and smart housing solutions. Governments and private investors increasingly prioritized green building initiatives, energy-efficient homes, and smart city developments. This shift was particularly evident in European cities where stringent environmental policies influenced real estate investment decisions.
The rental market also saw significant changes. In cities with housing shortages, rental prices surged, pushing policymakers to introduce rent control measures and tenant protections. Countries like Germany and Canada expanded policies to regulate short-term rentals to ease housing pressures.
Overall, the global housing market in 2024 reflected a period of adjustment. While some markets experienced price corrections and reduced speculation, others benefited from policy interventions and sustained demand. Moving forward, factors such as interest rate policies, economic recovery, and sustainable housing initiatives will shape the trajectory of the sector.
Government to Prioritise Military Infrastructure, Logistics, and Training
The Minister of Defence reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces by ensuring they remain highly trained, well-equipped, and motivated to operate at peak capacity.
He highlighted that improving infrastructure, enhancing logistics, and strengthening military training would be prioritised to boost operational efficiency.
Dr Omane Boamah also reiterated the government’s determination to complete all outstanding projects within the GAF while stressing the importance of clear financing plans for new projects. He emphasised that proper financial planning is necessary to prevent delays that could arise due to possible funding constraints.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – Marigold
