The Rent Control Department (RCD) has launched a quarterly public accountability series to improve transparency, address operational challenges and inform the public about reforms aimed at strengthening its services.
The initiative will provide a regular platform for the department to report on its progress, explain its decisions and engage the public on issues affecting landlords, tenants and other players in the rental sector.
Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, said the programme was designed to strengthen public confidence in the department and ensure that its activities remained accountable to the people it served.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Opoku said public institutions had a responsibility to explain their actions and report on their performance, rather than simply exercise the powers granted to them by law.
“The establishment of the RCD Public Accountability Series is informed by our belief that public institutions must not only exercise statutory responsibilities, but must also explain their actions, report their progress, and remain answerable to the people they serve,” he said.
He described the series as a platform for regular communication between the department and the public, adding that it would provide an opportunity to discuss the department’s achievements, challenges and plans.
“This programme will serve as a regular platform for communication between the department and the Ghanaian public,” he said.
Mr Opoku outlined five main objectives for the initiative, including rebuilding public trust, providing updates on reforms, educating people on rental laws, encouraging compliance and creating opportunities for public feedback.
He said the department intended to use the platform to explain its administrative reforms, digital transformation efforts, institutional achievements and future priorities.
The series will also provide information on the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, property managers and rental agents under Ghana’s rent laws.
Mr Opoku said public education was important to help people understand their legal obligations and reduce disputes arising from a lack of knowledge about rental regulations.
The department also intends to use the programme to encourage voluntary compliance with the law while making clear its commitment to lawful inspections, monitoring and enforcement.
According to the Acting Rent Commissioner, improving compliance will require both educating the public and ensuring that the relevant laws are properly enforced.
The initiative is also expected to allow members of the public to offer feedback, raise concerns and make constructive suggestions on how the department can improve its services.
Mr Opoku said public participation would be important in identifying gaps in the department’s operations and ensuring that reforms respond to the needs of those who rely on its services.
He added that the quarterly engagements would allow the public to better understand the reasons behind the department’s decisions and the challenges it faces in carrying out its mandate.
“We want the Ghanaian public to know what we are doing, why we are doing what we are doing, what challenges we face, and what results the public should expect,” he said.