On October 7, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama announced the 'Easy Rent' programme at the National Conference on Housing Finance in Accra. The initiative aims to alleviate the burden of huge rent advances on Ghanaian workers. Under the programme, the National Housing Fund will pay the rent advance on behalf of eligible workers, who will then repay the amount through monthly payments.
President Mahama emphasized that the programme is particularly important for young people and households struggling to raise substantial rent advances. He drew from his own experience as a young man starting married life with his wife, Lordina Mahama, and the difficulties they faced in securing accommodation in Accra.
The President recalled that he and his wife eventually settled at Madina New Road after covering significant distances with estate agents in search of suitable and affordable accommodation. He noted that the financial demands, including rent advances, agent fees, and other charges, placed considerable pressure on their finances even before they had begun their married life.
President Mahama stressed that affordable rental housing must form a central part of Ghana's housing policy, alongside mortgages, rent-to-own schemes, incremental housing finance, and social housing. He said the success of housing policies should ultimately be measured by whether ordinary Ghanaians can afford to live in the homes being delivered.
The President also called for housing policies that specifically address the needs of informal workers, women, persons with disabilities, and low-income households. He suggested that financial institutions should explore alternative methods of assessing their repayment capacity, including savings histories and verifiable business cash flows.
The 'Easy Rent' initiative is part of the government's broader effort to expand affordable housing options and reduce the financial barriers facing Ghanaian households. President Mahama's administration aims to make housing more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians, particularly the most vulnerable groups.
The programme is expected to benefit many young Ghanaian families who continue to experience difficulties in securing affordable accommodation. President Mahama's initiative has been seen as a step towards addressing the housing needs of Ghanaians, and it is hoped that it will have a positive impact on the lives of many citizens.
Key points
- President Mahama launches 'Easy Rent' programme to ease rent advance burden on Ghanaian workers.
- The programme aims to provide affordable housing options and reduce financial barriers for Ghanaian households.
- The initiative targets young people and households struggling to raise substantial rent advances.
