The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has announced the introduction of a rent assistance scheme in his next government aimed at assisting teachers and farmers in securing affordable housing.

As to how the scheme would operate, the former president explained that a portion of the workers' salaries would be deducted monthly until they fully covered the cost of the house.

While addressing his supporters in Nsawura as part of his 'Building the Ghana We Want' tour in the Western Region, he emphasised that these homes will be priced in the local currency.

According to Mr Mahama, such a scheme has become imperative owing to the 2-year advance rent scheme being practiced by some landlords.

“Many workers are struggling with the 2-year advance rent scheme, and their salaries aren’t always enough to cover the costs. My government will support associations like teachers and farmers by implementing a rent assistance scheme to help build houses for their workers. We will deduct a portion of their monthly salaries for this purpose, and by the time they retire, they’ll have their own houses. We will take the housing scheme seriously. When I say housing, what I mean is affordable housing, and we will endeavour to price it in our local currency," he said.

The 2-year advance rent scheme, where some landlords demand for payment of rend for 2 years and more, has been frowned upon by many, especially tenants.

Public Relations Officer of the Rent Control Department, Emmanuel Kporsu, has clarified the 2-year rent advance scheme, stating that paying a landlord more than six months' rent is not considered a criminal offense.

According to Mr Kporsu, the legality hinges on whether the landlord specifically demanded payment for more than six months.

He clarified that the law explicitly prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to pay one to two years of rent. However, if a tenant voluntarily chooses to pay for an extended period, even up to two years, without any explicit demand from the landlord, it does not constitute an offense under the law.

Section 25 subsection 5 of the Rent Act, 1963, Act 220 states that "A person who as a condition of the grant, renewal or continuance of a tenancy demands in the case of a monthly or shorter tenancy, the payment in advance of more than a month’s rent or in the case of atenancy exceeding six months, the payment in advance of more than six months rent, commits an offence and is liable on conviction by the Rent Magistrate to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units."