“Behind every housing statistic is a person” – Mahama shares his own rent struggle

President John Dramani Mahama opened up about the financial struggles he and First Lady Lordina Mahama faced when they were newlyweds, sharing how their pursuit of their first home in Accra nearly ruined their savings. The young couple encountered exorbitant expenses such as estate agent fees, hefty rent advances, and hefty commission fees, which left them depleted even before they began their married life together.

Mahama stressed that these issues remain prevalent, warning that substantial rent advances can jeopardize savings meant for crucial family needs like education or business. To advocate for systemic housing reform, Mahama directed the Minister for Finance to allocate GH¢1 billion in the 2027 budget towards a dedicated Housing Fund.

This fund would assist state agencies like the State Housing Company (SHC) and Tema Development Corporation (TDC) in expanding affordable housing units, as well as support initiatives like the proposed Easy Rent program and the existing National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS) to alleviate the upfront costs for tenants. Mahama urged housing policymakers and financial institutions to remember the human aspect of the crisis, emphasizing that "behind every housing statistic is a person or family seeking security and hoping for a better future."