The Rent Control Department has launched a new digital platform with the goal of modernizing public service delivery and making rental services more accessible to all Ghanaians.
This was launched at the forecourt of the Architecture and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The digital launch marked a significant step in Government’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
The launch was referred to as “the beginning of a bold new chapter in Ghana’s drive toward digitisation, efficiency, and inclusivity in our rental housing sector” according to Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing.
Dr. Armah emphasized the Rent Control Department’s crucial role in ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing in accordance with Rent Act 220 and fostering peaceful coexistence between landlords and tenants. He noticed that for a really long time, the manual cycles of the Department had created setbacks, disappointments, and failures for all included.
Dr. Armah recalled a pivotal moment on July 15, 2020, when Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visited the Rent Control Department and observed long queues of citizens waiting to access essential services. He continued that, many Ghanaians had travelled great distances only to face lengthy processes that did not reflect the modern Ghana the government aims to build.
“It was then that the Vice President made a promis, one that would turn frustration into progress, inefficiency into empowerment. He pledged to digitize the operations of the Rent Control Department, making it more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people,” Dr. Armah said.
The Rent Control Department will become a digitally equipped institution, thanks to the new digital platform developed in collaboration with SuperTech Limited, a leading technology solutions provider.
Dr. Armah announced that Phase I of the project has successfully digitized 15 offices across 11 Regions, allowing landlords and tenants to access services remotely, from major cities and towns across the country. Offices in Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Techiman, Sunyani, Takoradi, and other key locations are now fully integrated into the digital system, ensuring equitable access for all.
“We are making history today, not just by embracing digital tools but by fundamentally reshaping how Ghanaians experience public services,” Dr. Armah declared. “For far too long, citizens have had to endure the inconveniences of traveling long distances, waiting in queues, and dealing with tedious bureaucratic processes to access the most basic services. This ends today.”
He also said that the digitalization of the Department offers numerous benefits to various stakeholders in the rental market. For landlords and tenants, the platform allows them to interact with the department online, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
“Whether you need to register a property, file a complaint, or resolve a dispute, you will now be able to do so from the comfort of your home or office,” he added.
The platform also introduces automated processes that will streamline tasks such as registering properties, processing complaints, and handling paperwork electronically. Additionally, digital tenancy agreements, unique digital property addresses, and online advertising of rental properties are among the new features designed to simplify the rental process and enhance market transparency.
The launch is part of the Ministry of Works and Housing’s broader vision for public sector transformation as plans are advanced to extend this digitalization project to all 16 regions, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind.
Kwesi Essel, Business Development Manager of SuperTech Limited, the company responsible for developing the digital platform, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the project. He noted that the system allows Rent Control officers to log and manage complaints seamlessly, maintain comprehensive databases, and generate advanced reports.
For property owners, the online portal provides an easy interface to manage properties, submit applications, and advertise vacant premises. “For the general public, this system opens up a world of convenience at your fingertips,” he remarked.
The Chief Rent Manager of the Rent Control Department, Twum Ampofo, also spoke about the Department’s journey since its inception and how this digital transformation will help bridge existing gaps and enhance service delivery. He acknowledged the challenges of the past and expressed optimism about the future, noting that the new system will ensure more efficient and accessible services for all Ghanaians.
He stated that in addition to the digital platform, the government has launched rentcontrol.mwh.gov.gh, a new website that serves as a one-stop shop for all rent-related transactions and encourages Ghanaians to embrace the digital future.
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