Excessive rent costs need national discussion – John Awuni

John Awuni is the Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG). He has called for a national discussion about rising rents in Ghana. He described the situation as unreasonable and unjustified.

On April 10, 2025, Awuni spoke on the Citi Breakfast Show. He expressed concern over arbitrary rent increases in Ghana. He compared this to more structured systems in countries like the United States.

“Rent has to be a national discussion,” he said. “In the US, landlords do not increase prices without reason.” In America, tenants pay a fixed amount each month for years.

Awuni criticized local rental practices in Ghana. Landlords often raise prices significantly at lease end without justification. For example, a two-bedroom apartment may cost Ghc2,000 initially. Once the lease expires, landlords might raise it to Ghc3,000.

He questioned how landlords justify these increases. If tenants refuse to accept the new price, they risk eviction. Many Nigerians in Ghana are willing to pay high rents, which benefits landlords.

Awuni emphasized that unchecked rent hikes burden many Ghanaians. He urged the government to intervene in this issue. “It must be a national conversation,” he added.