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
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
