GH¢60k to run 66 Rent Control offices for 3 months? – Acting Commissioner questions Finance Minister

The Acting Commissioner of the Rent Control Department, Frederick Opoku, has raised concerns over inadequate funding for the department, warning that limited financial resources are hampering its ability to operate effectively across Ghana.

Mr Opoku disclosed that the Rent Control Department received only GH¢60,000 to operate its 66 offices nationwide during the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking on FM, he questioned how the department could effectively discharge its mandate with such a limited allocation and appealed to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to review its funding.

GH¢60,000 to run Rent Control for three months? What’s the meaning of this? The Finance Minister and all of them should listen to this and act on it,” he said.

Mr Opoku stressed that the Rent Control Department plays an important role in addressing tenancy and housing-related disputes and protecting the interests of both landlords and tenants.

According to the Acting Commissioner, the department received another GH¢60,000 allocation for the second quarter, bringing its total funding for the first half of 2026 to GH¢120,000 for all 66 offices.

He argued that the amount remains inadequate to meet the operational needs of a nationwide institution.

“For 66 offices, what do you mean? How do you expect Rent Control to function?” he asked.

Mr Opoku has also raised concerns about the department’s logistical needs, including office facilities and vehicles, saying adequate resources are necessary for officials to travel, respond to complaints and resolve tenancy-related disputes across the country.

The Acting Commissioner appealed to the Finance Minister to reconsider the department’s allocation and provide the resources required for it to operate effectively.

He said stronger financial and logistical support would enable the Rent Control Department to respond more efficiently to complaints and disputes involving landlords and tenants.

The funding concerns come as the department continues to carry out its nationwide responsibilities, with Mr Opoku calling for greater attention to the resources available to the institution.

He has urged the government to take steps to address the funding constraints and provide the department with the means to effectively fulfil its mandate.