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Actor and politician John Dumelo has expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), a government initiative launched to ease the financial burden of renting on Ghanaians.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dumelo questioned the impact of the scheme since its inception, asking how many people have benefitted and how much funding has been disbursed to landlords through the program.
He wrote, “The NPP launched the Rent Assistant Scheme for the youth in January 2023. How many people have benefited to date? How much has been disbursed? How many landlords were paid directly?”
Dumelo has long been an advocate for tenant rights, calling for reforms to Ghana’s rent laws to make accommodation more affordable, especially for the youth. He has argued that the current system, which often requires large rent advances, places undue financial strain on renters and hinders access to housing.
Understanding the National Rental Assistance Scheme
Launched in 2022, the NRAS was established by the government to address Ghana’s rent advance challenge and provide financial relief to renters. The scheme aims to make renting more accessible and affordable for Ghanaian adults who are employed or self-employed and can make monthly rent payments.
Under the program, rent advances are paid directly to landlords, with tenants repaying in affordable monthly installments. Applicants are required to submit proof of income, employment, identification, and an application processing fee of GH₵100. Once approved, the NRAS facilitates payment to landlords within 5 to 10 business days.
Despite its promising objectives, questions about transparency and implementation have persisted. Dumelo’s remarks highlight the need for accountability to determine whether the initiative is meeting its goals and delivering the intended benefits to Ghanaian renters.
His critique has reignited public debate about housing affordability in Ghana, with many urging the government to provide detailed reports on the progress and impact of the NRAS.
Source: NKONKONSA.com
