The National Tenants Union has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a showdown if their demands for improved rent control measures and a swift overhaul of the existing rent law are not met.The union argues that the current rent law has become obsolete, with no significant efforts being made to rectify the situation.

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Frederick Opoku, the Secretary of the National Tenants Union, expressed frustration with the government's lack of action on this pressing issue.Opoku stated, "The current rent control law has outlived its usefulness. We've been raising our concerns for an extended period, but all we get are promises. We have been informed that the law is under consideration in parliament, but we need swift action.

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"He went on to emphasize the union's determination, saying, "We want to send a clear message to the government that if they don't expedite the process of amending the law, we will not hesitate to take matters into our own hands. We have a substantial and widespread membership, and if we decide to challenge the government, we have the strength to do so.

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"Opoku also highlighted the urgent need for the government to allocate sufficient resources to the rent control department to ensure its effectiveness, responsiveness, and proactivity.He pointed out that the department is currently under-resourced and unable to address the pressing concerns faced by tenants across Ghana. "Many of the staff working in the rent control department are also tenants themselves.

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Most of them have faced eviction from their rented accommodations. This highlights the government's lack of seriousness when it comes to housing issues. The very officials who are supposed to assist us in addressing our complaints as tenants lack the necessary capacity and means to do so.

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"Opoku further added, "They don't even have access to vehicles, which forces tenants to hire taxis and cover the costs both ways when they need rent officers to accompany them and address their issues."The National Tenants Union's threat of a showdown underscores the growing frustration among tenants in Ghana over the state of rent control and housing regulations.

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As this issue gains traction, it remains to be seen whether the government will take swift action to address the concerns of its citizens or face the consequences of a potential confrontation with the determined union.

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