Editorial
National Rent Assistance Scheme laudable, but …
Dear Editor,
In 2023, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia launched the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), to cushion tenants that hope to rent decent accommodation.
Reportedly, government paid a whopping GHȻ13.8 million rent advance to beneficiaries across the six regions as of November 2023.
That makes the policy a very good one to help people get decent places to stay.
Considering the number of people seeking decent accommodation but without the corresponding rental demands and the amount of money the scheme has expended already, it means this scheme could collapse in no time.
It is the reason why an intervention announced by the new Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to address the housing deficit in Ghana must be embraced by all.
At a validation workshop to revise Ghana’s Housing Profile in Accra on April 9, 2024, Mr Nkrumah said government was working on giving master developers in the housing sector incentives like tax breaks, streamlined approval processes for construction permits and land allocation at competitive rates to jump-start housing projects to bridge the gap.
One of such key abandoned projects is the Saglemi Housing Project, which has 1,506 housing units waiting to be occupied. The Ministry has therefore invited bids from private developers to rehabilitate those units and get them ready for rental.
Secondly, I would want to implore the government or the appropriate authorities to enforce Ghana’s Rent Act, Act 220 that prescribes not more than one month rent as rent advance.
It is sad that despite the existence of this Act, the landlords and agents are still operating in their own world, charging rents putting prospective tenants off.
The situation has created a lot of difficulties for Ghanaians and the earlier government solve them, the better.
Nortey Christabel Naa Shormeh
Level 300
UNIMAC-IJ (Faculty of Journalism)
NAASHORMEYCHRISTABEL@GMAIL.COM
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
