Rent Control Department goes digital

The Rent Control Department has launched its new digital platform, aimed at modernizing public service delivery and making rental services more accessible to all Ghanaians.

The launch event, held at the forecourt of the Architecture and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) on Thursday, September 12, 2024, marked a significant step forward in government’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.

The Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, described the launch as “the beginning of a bold new chapter in Ghana’s drive toward modernization, efficiency, and inclusivity in our rental housing sector.” In his speech, Dr. Armah emphasized the critical role of the Rent Control Department in fostering peaceful coexistence between landlords and tenants and ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing in line with the Rent Act 220. He noted that for too long, the manual processes of the department had caused delays, frustrations, and inefficiencies for all involved.

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 noted that many Ghanaians had traveled 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 new digital platform, developed in collaboration with SuperTech Limited, a leading technology solutions provider, will transform the Rent Control Department into a digitally equipped institution. 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 explained 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 took the opportunity to reflect on 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 said with the unveiling of the digital platform, government has also launched a new website, rentcontrol.mwh.gov.gh, a one-stop portal for all rent-related transactions encouraging Ghanaians to embrace the digital future.