John Dumelo, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has provided an update on his long-standing promise to push for a reduction in the rent advance demanded by landlords. Dumelo had previously vowed to advocate for a cap on rent advance payments to just six months, as opposed to the current practice of landlords demanding one to two years in advance.

Dumelo’s Continued Fight Against Illegal Rent Advances

In a recent social media interaction, a concerned citizen reminded the MP of his earlier commitment, prompting Dumelo to reassure the public that he was actively working on this issue. According to Dumelo, reducing the rent advance to six months remains one of his top priorities.

Before his tenure as an MP, Dumelo had been vocal about the burden of high rent costs, particularly in Accra, where the illegal practice of demanding excessive rent advances has become common. At the time, he passionately argued that the one to two years’ rent advance demanded by many landlords was unfair and illegal, with the law allowing a maximum of six months' rent.

The Rent Act and the Call for Enforcement

While the Rent Act allows a six-month maximum for rent advances, many landlords continue to demand more, exploiting weak enforcement of the law. In 2024, Dumelo urged Parliament to step up efforts to ensure that the law was fully implemented and that tenants were not subjected to unfair practices.

During his social media update, Dumelo stated, "I dey top," signaling his continued dedication to addressing the issue and working toward legislative reforms that would protect tenants from being exploited by high rent advances.

Public Reactions and Praise for Dumelo’s Efforts

Social media users were quick to express their appreciation for Dumelo’s efforts to address the rent advance issue. Many Ghanaians praised the MP for his transparency and dedication to his promise, even as they continue to face the challenges of unaffordable housing in the country.

Notable reactions from Ghanaians included:

• Nungua_FlyBoy: "Thank you once again for your concern."
• SremJackSparrow: "May God grant you the grace to do well in your office."
• MohammedTebson: "Hold on a second; having Hon. Dumelo as Veep won’t be a bad idea. Imagine the young spirit of the country. It’s a great way to push for young government."
• EricKwakuAsare: "It’s time we celebrate selfless leaders who do what’s right for Ghana, regardless of political affiliation."

Dumelo's Other Contributions to Constituents

In addition to his efforts to combat illegal rent practices, Dumelo recently addressed another major concern by ensuring the Oponglo traffic light, which had been out of service for months, was repaired. He personally inspected the site, riding a quad bike to check on the status of the traffic light, and was praised by many for his swift response to this public safety issue.

Looking Forward: Will Dumelo's Efforts Change Ghana’s Rent Landscape?

John Dumelo’s advocacy for reduced rent advances continues to be a significant talking point among Ghanaians. With his push for legal enforcement and increased awareness, it remains to be seen whether the law will be properly enforced and the rent landscape in Accra—and the rest of the country—will change.