The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has warned that landlords who demand rent payments in US dollars will be publicly exposed as the Rent Control Department prepares to intensify efforts to stop the practice in Ghana.

Mr Opoku said the department planned to establish a task force in 2027 to identify landlords demanding rent in foreign currencies and refer the cases to the Bank of Ghana for the necessary action.

He made the remarks during an interview with Nana Aba Anamoah on Starr FM’s Morning Starr programme on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The Acting Commissioner said the department remained committed to enforcing the rules governing rental payments and protecting tenants from unlawful practices.

Rent Control Department Plans Task Force

Mr Opoku said the proposed task force would help identify landlords who demand rent in US dollars and refer suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.

He warned that property owners would not be exempt from scrutiny because of their social standing or influence.

According to him, publicly identifying landlords who violate the applicable rules would form part of efforts to strengthen compliance and discourage others from engaging in the practice.

The initiative is expected to support the department’s broader efforts to ensure that rental transactions comply with Ghanaian law.

Rent Commissioner Seeks Cooperation from Bank of Ghana

The Acting Rent Commissioner disclosed that the Rent Control Department had previously approached the Bank of Ghana’s Financial Markets Department to discuss joint action against landlords demanding rent in foreign currencies.

However, he said the department had not received a response to its proposal several months after the engagement.

Mr Opoku stressed that cooperation between the two institutions was important because enforcing the rules on foreign currency transactions requires coordination among the relevant authorities.

He maintained that the Rent Control Department would continue pursuing the issue while seeking the support needed to strengthen enforcement.

Dollar-Denominated Rent Remains a Concern

Demanding rent in US dollars has been a concern in Ghana’s housing market, particularly in areas where some property owners target expatriates and higher-income tenants.

The practice has raised questions about compliance with Ghana’s foreign currency regulations and the protection of tenants who earn their income in Ghanaian cedis.

The applicable rules generally restrict the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions unless the relevant legal requirements or authorisations permit it.

Mr Opoku has called for stronger enforcement to ensure that landlords comply with the law and that tenants understand their rights and obligations.

Tenants Urged to Seek Guidance

The Rent Control Department’s proposed task force is expected to help identify suspected violations and refer them to the appropriate institutions for further action.

Tenants who are asked to pay rent in US dollars can contact the Rent Control Department for guidance on the applicable law and the options available to them.

Mr Opoku said the department would continue working to address the practice, adding that landlords should not assume they are beyond the reach of the law.

The planned initiative forms part of efforts to improve compliance in Ghana’s rental market and strengthen the enforcement of regulations governing rent payments.

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