Ghana’s housing sector has once again come under national attention following a strong statement by John Dramani Mahama, who has called on tenants to report landlords demanding excessive rent advances beyond what the law permits.
This development is highly significant for anyone involved in the real estate market—especially renters searching for affordable housing in Accra and across Ghana. In this article, we explore what the President said, what the law requires, and how this affects tenants and landlords in today’s property market.
What President Mahama Said
During a meeting with organised labour at the Jubilee House on March 17, 2026, President Mahama emphasized the need to address the growing burden of housing costs in Ghana.
He urged tenants to take action against landlords who demand more than the legally allowed rent advance, stressing that such practices are unlawful and exploitative.
According to him, housing costs are consuming a significant portion of household income, making it increasingly difficult for many Ghanaians to afford decent accommodation.
He clearly stated that tenants should report offending landlords to the Rent Control Department (rent court), assuring that such landlords would be held accountable.
What the Law Says About Rent Advance in Ghana
Under Ghanaian rent laws, landlords are not allowed to demand more than six months’ rent advance for residential properties.
However, in reality, many landlords demand one to two years’ rent upfront, which has become a common but controversial practice.
President Mahama reiterated that this practice is illegal and must be challenged. He noted that both tenants and landlords often avoid using the rent court system, which allows these violations to continue unchecked.
Why Landlords Demand High Rent Advance
The issue of excessive rent advance is deeply connected to Ghana’s housing challenges.
Housing Deficit
One major reason landlords demand high upfront payments is the country’s housing shortage. With more people competing for limited housing, landlords take advantage of the situation.
High Demand in Cities
Urban areas like Accra, Kumasi, and Tema have high demand for rental properties, making it easier for landlords to impose strict payment conditions.
Weak Enforcement
Although laws exist, enforcement has been weak. Many tenants are either unaware of their rights or unwilling to report landlords.
Impact on Tenants in Ghana
The demand for excessive rent advance has serious consequences for tenants.
Financial Pressure
Paying one or two years’ rent upfront can be extremely difficult for the average Ghanaian worker. It often forces people to take loans or exhaust their savings.
Limited Housing Access
Many people are unable to secure housing simply because they cannot afford the large upfront payments.
Increased Cost of Living
With rent taking a large portion of income, households struggle to meet other essential needs.
President Mahama acknowledged that housing costs are becoming a major burden on families and called for long-term solutions such as social housing policies.
What Tenants Should Do
Following the President’s directive, tenants are encouraged to take the following steps:
Report Illegal Practices
If a landlord demands more than six months’ rent advance, tenants can report the case to the Rent Control Department.
Know Your Rights
Understanding rental laws is crucial. Many tenants unknowingly accept illegal terms due to lack of awareness.
Seek Verified Listings
Working with trusted property platforms can reduce the risk of exploitation.
The Role of Real Estate Platforms
As the real estate market evolves, platforms like autonaba.com are playing an important role in improving transparency.
On autonaba, property seekers can:
- Browse verified rental listings
- Compare prices across different locations
- Connect with trusted agents
- Avoid fraudulent or exploitative deals
For anyone searching for rental properties in Accra or other parts of Ghana, using autonaba.com can help ensure safer and more informed decisions.
What This Means for Landlords
The President’s statement is also a warning to landlords.
Legal Compliance
Landlords must comply with the law and avoid demanding excessive rent advances.
Increased Accountability
With more awareness, tenants are likely to report illegal practices, leading to stricter enforcement.
Market Changes
This could eventually lead to a shift toward more flexible payment options, such as monthly or quarterly rent systems.
The Future of Renting in Ghana
President Mahama’s call highlights the urgent need for reform in Ghana’s housing sector.
Experts believe that solving the issue of rent advance will require:
- Stronger enforcement of existing laws
- Increased housing supply
- Public education on tenant rights
- Collaboration between government and private developers
The President also called for a national housing dialogue to develop policies that make housing more affordable for workers.
Our Parting Words
The directive by John Dramani Mahama for tenants to report landlords demanding illegal rent advances is a major step toward addressing one of Ghana’s biggest housing challenges.
For many renters, this could bring relief and create a more fair and transparent rental market. However, real change will depend on enforcement, awareness, and cooperation between all stakeholders.
If you are currently looking for a rental property, it is important to stay informed, know your rights, and use trusted platforms like autonaba.com to find verified and fair property listings across Ghana.
As Ghana’s real estate sector continues to grow, protecting tenants and ensuring fair housing practices will be key to building a more sustainable and accessible housing market for everyone.