John Dumelo, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has restated his commitment to advocating for housing reforms, particularly targeting excessive rent advance payments demanded by landlords in Ghana—especially in Accra.
The MP’s remarks came during a recent social media interaction with constituents, where a citizen reminded him of his earlier promise to cap rent advances at six months. Dumelo reassured the public that the issue remains a top priority in his legislative agenda.
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“I am still pursuing it. The rent advance matter is very dear to my heart,” he affirmed.
Before his election to Parliament, Dumelo had been a vocal critic of Ghana’s housing challenges. As a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, he condemned the common practice of landlords demanding one or even two years’ rent upfront, describing it as exploitative and illegal.
Ghana’s Rent Act legally restricts landlords from collecting more than six months’ rent in advance. However, weak enforcement and regulatory gaps have allowed the practice to persist. In 2024, Dumelo urged Parliament to strengthen oversight and 
ensure compliance with the law to protect tenants from exploitation.
Many Ghanaians continue to voice frustrations over high rental costs and burdensome advance payments on social media. Dumelo acknowledged these concerns, pledging to continue pushing for reforms that align with the needs of ordinary citizens.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
