This Union in Ghana is Fighting For Rent Control and Affordable Housing

Like most parts of West Africa, Ghana constantly faces a housing problem. Rents are high, and only a few spaces are available for rent. Despite attempts by previous administrations toaddress the country'sgrowing housing issue and fix the housing deficit, estimated at 1.8 million units, these initiatives have been hampered by what observers describe as a lack of administrative continuity. This means that projects begun by the previous government tend to be abandoned by the administration after it.

A report published by theCentre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africanoted, "The unaffordability of housing finance is exacerbated by weakened consumer sentiments resulting from the persistent increases in fuel prices, transportation fares, and rising inflation, which all undoubtedly contribute to the rise in housing prices. These difficulties continue to pose a major barrier to access to affordable housing by the working population in Ghana."

In a recent report on the housing problem affecting West African countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria, OkayAfrica heard from over 20 young people, including young Ghanaians, who say the cost of housing keeps increasing. At the same time, many landlords charge two years in advance and insist on extracting private information from potential renters, among other unchecked policies.

To address the issue of housing affordability and to protect Ghanaians from spending the majority of their income on rent in an already struggling economy, the National Tenants Union of Ghana is taking action. They are advocating for affordable housing, lobbying for the implementation of rent control laws, and educating tenants across Ghana about their rights. It's the first of its kind in the country and the most influential inadvocating for laws. They have met with lawmakers and government officials, including the current President of Ghana, John Mahama, whopromised to establish rent controlduring his tenure. The union has launched alawsuit against privatization and regularly speaks out on harmful housing policies.

Unions like this aren't common in Ghana but are increasingly necessary in fighting an issue that has persisted for years.

OkayAfrica spoke with Reindolph Afrifa-Oware, the Director of Communications and corporate affairs for the National Tenants Union of Ghana, about how the union fights for renters' rights and affordable housing.

OkayAfrica: Can you expand on what the National Tenants Union of Ghana does?

Reindolph Afrifa-Oware: We're established as the largest union in Ghana, with over 18 million members nationwide. We inform and educate tenants about their rights to help improve the living conditions and the dignity of tenants, as well as represent the collective interests of tenants within the housing policy space of government through advocacy and the influence of general housing policy proposals from the government.

How has the housing issue affected Ghanaians, especially young people just entering the workforce?

We believe housing is a basic human need; it's a human rights issue here. Ghana is facing a significant housing deficit, and this imbalance is giving landlords considerable power to dictate rental terms, among other inhumane and advance payments coupled with the very high cost of rental prices, etc. However, combining disparities in living standards in Ghana and the current housing deficit means we are in crisis as a nation, and the government is abusing the rights of Ghanaians with the irresponsible way of handling housing issues in this country. The youths are suffering.

The union has been fighting to pass a bill guaranteeing rent control. How is that going?

We have made a lot of proposals to successive governments, but they failed us. They made housing a political message for votes but had no interest in where the Ghanaians would lay their heads. It does not concern the politician. We have proposed social housing, focusing on low-income housing, using our local materials. Our housing laws aren't a priority to our MPs. We have had Act 220 (the Rent Act) in parliament for many years, and it's still lying there; the past government left it unpassed. It wasn't on their priority list.

What other challenges is the union facing?

The government of Ghana doesn't see the need to shelter the citizens because it is not reflected in their policies; our challenge also has to do with parliament on the passage of rent laws and national housing authority bills. These are the heartbeats of our current housing crisis in Ghana; when we get it right, its implementation will make many changes. Another major challenge we see is getting the people we are fighting for to understand that a tenant union is important. Their joining us is crucial in that when we come together, we can fight a good cause to get the needed results, but people do not see the need to join the force that we have.

How can people support the work of the union?

We need help as a housing union; we need support from the people to win this fight; we don't have vehicles to move around and support vulnerable people about their rights and responsibilities; many are being abused due to the poor states of housing in Ghana, we need office spaces and would plead everyone who believes in our course to come to our aid. We have fought this housing crisis for many years, and our efforts will yield good results one day. A union needs resources to mobilize.

What does the future hold for the union?

We want to see a Ghana where housing is accessible and affordable and where people have access to funding to bridge the disparities around housing. We want a housing regime where everybody is treated fairly, our localities are well-structured, and the land tenure system is well-regulated. We also want a union with more resources to inform and educate the Ghanaian population. Our goal is to set up offices in various regions and districts across the country to ensure that the rights of Ghanaian tenants are protected. This is the vision we strive for, and until it becomes a reality, we will continue to fight for the rights of all Ghanaians.