President John Dramani Mahama has called on tenants to report landlords who demand rent advances beyond what is permitted by law, as part of efforts to curb exploitation in the housing sector.

Speaking during a meeting with Organised Labour at the Presidency, the President stressed the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations to protect renters from unlawful practices.

He highlighted the growing burden of housing costs on households, noting that access to affordable accommodation is becoming increasingly challenging for many Ghanaians.

President Mahama attributed the rise in excessive rent demands to the country’s housing deficit, explaining that limited housing supply has created conditions for some landlords to impose illegal charges.

He reiterated that current regulations prohibit rent advances exceeding six months but observed that enforcement remains weak, partly because both tenants and landlords often avoid seeking redress through the rent courts.

To address the situation, the President proposed a national housing dialogue involving government, the private sector and labour groups to develop a comprehensive social housing policy.

He emphasised that a coordinated approach is necessary to tackle the housing crisis and ensure fair and accessible accommodation for all citizens.