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Real Estate

Reinvest Profits, Avoid Bank Loans — GREDA President Tells Young Entrepreneurs

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President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) and the  Executive Chairman of JL Holdings, Dr James Orleans-Lindsay, has urged young entrepreneurs and real estate professionals, to learn the act of reinvesting their profit back into their businesses to ensure sustainable business growth. Speaking to Business Outlook Africa, Dr James Orleans-Lindsay explained that reinvesting back into the helps entrants into the real estate sector to better thrive and grow.He added that young professionals in the real estate scene should delay gratification and focus on reinvesting their profits so as to ensure the company survives in the long term. “The story of the takeaway always that I tell people, reinvest in the business. I put everything back. If you don’t reinvest, you won’t have a thriving business, because interest rates are high.” He stated On financing, Dr. Orleans-Lindsay strongly advised professionals entering the real estate sector to avoid commercial bank loans at the start of their journey, warning that the accompanying interest rates can be overwhelming for new entrants. He instead recommended turning to family and friends for early-stage capital, noting that such arrangements typically carry no interest and offer more manageable repayment terms. “And so, you know, in real estate in Ghana, you don’t borrow to start a real estate business.You borrow to finish, because the money trickles in. You see, don’t borrow from a bank to start real estate, borrow from friends, family and the likes who normally would not put any interest on it. So those are some of the tenants in business, especially entrepreneurs, that people really don’t pay attention to.” He added Beyond Real Estate,the Executive Chairman of JL Holdings also urged young people to venture in agriculture, food production,food processing and agribusiness emphasizing that the biggest challenge Ghana is likely to face in the next 5 years will be food security. “The next five years to eight years, the challenge in West Africa, in Africa, will be food security.Those who want to listen should listen.Go into food, go into agriculture, go into storage, go into preservation. Why is it that 40 percent of the things that is produced in Ghana go waste? Who is putting money in temperate cold rooms?.” He stated Dr. Orleans-Lindsay ended by debunking the widely held notion that a lack of capital is an insurmountable barrier to starting a business, arguing that the claim of having “nothing to start with” is largely a myth, pointing out that the very resources people spend daily on food, clothing, and other basics represent untapped startup potential. According to him, aspiring entrepreneurs who look critically at their everyday spending will realise they already have something to work with and that with deliberate sacrifice and reallocation of those resources, the excuse of having nothing becomes difficult to sustain. Watch full interview here: https://youtu.be/7qg7Sney-14?si=CO_9sDZYF-k6nr9H

Real Estate

Ghana’s Construction Cost Inflation Eases to 2.2% in March — Eleventh Consecutive Monthly Decline

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The Ghana Statistical Service has released the March 2026 edition of its Prime Building Cost Index(PBCI) and Inflation with year on year inflation down from 2.4% in February and 23.6% a year ago to 2.2% – eleven straight months of declining inflation. The report also revealed that even though prices are still rising in the short term generally, building cost increased slowly by 0.8%. Year on year labor inflation also slowed down to 1.6% in March 2026 having previously been 2.4% in February 2026. Materials inflation also reduced by 0.1% from the 2.4% recorded in February 2026 with plant/equipment inflation still remaining at the 2.6% also recorded in February 2026 pointing to materials and plant as the main sources of price pressure in construction. The data further revealed stark differences in price movement across individual construction inputs with Glazing recorded the sharpest increase, with inflation at 11.9%, while cement moved in the opposite direction, posting a deflation of 8.3%. The Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) is a monthly measure by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) tracking construction cost changes for materials, labor, and equipment

Real Estate

NUGS Formally Petitions Rent Control Department on ‘Exploitative’Hostel Pricing at Tertiary Level

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The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has petitioned the Rent Control Department,calling for urgent intervention in what the union describes as a growing crisis of exploitative hostel accommodation pricing across the country’s tertiary institutions. In a statement issued on Friday, April, 23,2026,the Union cited the persistent and unjustified rent increases by private hostel operators and property owners within and around university campuses, highlighting that the increments are mostly imposed without in contrast to the provisions of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220). The student union further flagged widespread violations of the law’s provisions on advance rent payments, stating that students are being compelled to pay rent covering periods exceeding six months to one year upfront, a practice which contradicts the Rent Acts. NUGS added that the situation has created financial strain and, in some cases, displacement of students unable to meet the excessive demands which undermines access to education and places undue burden on students who largely depend on limited financial support. The union’s petition outlined six specific demands from the Rent Control Department: 1. Immediate investigation into hostel pricing structures within and around tertiary institutions nationwide. 2. Strict enforcement of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), particularly regarding advance rent payments and lawful procedures for rent increment. 3. Sanctions against property owners and hostel operators found to be in breach of the law. 4. Establishment of clear guidelines for hostel pricing and tenancy arrangements specific to student accommodation. 5. Strengthened monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance. 6. Creation of accessible reporting channels for students to lodge complaints and seek redress without fear of victimisation. NUGS then expressed confidence that decisive action from the Rent Control Department would restore fairness and reinforce respect for the rule of law within the rental housing sector. The Rent Control Department operates under the Ministry of Works and Housing and is mandated to regulate rent matters in Ghana in accordance with the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220).

Real Estate

Interior Ministry Distances Itself from Security Personnel Rent Allowance Tax Deduction

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  The Ministry of the Interior has clarified that it bears no responsibility for a 20 percent tax deduction that has been made from the rent allowances of security services personnel, attributing the deduction entirely to the Ministry of Finance. The clarification follows the circulation of information in the media suggesting that the Interior Ministry had deducted the tax from the allowances of security personnel. Dismissing the reports in a statement issued , the Ministry stated categorically that it does not have the mandate to deduct tax from the rent allowance of security services personnel. “The Ministry wishes to clarify that it does not have the mandate to deduct tax from the rent allowance of security services personnel,” the statement read. The Interior Ministry, however, confirmed that the 20 percent deduction did occur, explaining that it was applied by the Ministry of Finance at source, in compliance with existing tax law. The statement offered no further details on the specific legal provision underpinning the deduction, nor did it indicate whether a review of the policy was being considered. The Ministry used the opportunity to appeal for calm among affected personnel, assuring them that the government remains committed to their welfare. “We urge all personnel to remain calm and rest assured that the government will not short-change any personnel and will continue to prioritize their welfare,” the statement concluded.

Real Estate

Cost of Building Eases Sharply as Inflation Falls for Ten Straight Months

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The Ghana Statistical Service has revealed that the cost of building in Ghana is now rising at a much slower pace, with building cost inflation dropping to 2.4% in February 2026, down sharply from 23.7% recorded in February 2025. The Prime Building Cost Index, which measures changes in the cost of construction inputs including materials, labour, and plant, serves as a key indicator for tracking price pressures in Ghana’s construction sector and helps inform planning decisions by developers, contractors, and policymakers. The decline marks ten straight months of falling building cost inflation, with electrical works, tiles, and glazing identified as the key drivers together accounting for 92% of the current 2.4% inflation rate. On the other hand, cement, steel, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates, and bathroom accessories helped pull inflation down by a combined 56%. The Data from the Statistical service also revealed that price movements within the sector remained mixed with Toilet accessories recording the steepest price rise at 10.8%, while cement prices actually fell by 7.1%, highlighting the uneven pressures across different building material categories. Labour, materials, and plant costs all inflated at between 2.4% and 2.6%, slow and broadly stable though the Ghana Statistical Service noted that materials remain the main short-term concern for builders and developers across the country.

Real Estate

University of Ghana Signs Deal for 10,000-Bed Hostel to Address Student Housing Shortage

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The University of Ghana has signed a concession agreement with Premier Prime Haven Limited for the development of a 10,000-bed capacity hostel facility. The project forms part of the university’s broader efforts to address its persistent student accommodation challenges. The development will be undertaken in partnership with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and will consist of 2,720 rooms in total. The room configuration will include 2,420 four-in-one rooms, 150 two-in-one rooms, and 150 single rooms, designed to provide a mix of affordable and flexible accommodation options for students. The project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with the first phase expected to be completed within 12 months. Beyond the hostel development, the partnership is also expected to facilitate the completion of the College of Humanities building, a component of the stalled Africa Integras project. University authorities believe the initiative will significantly expand on-campus housing capacity while improving infrastructure to support the growing student population. Source:ug.edu.gh

Real Estate

Rent Control Department Mandates Rent Cards for All Tenancies from April 1, 2026

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The Rent Control Department of Ghana has issued directives mandating the issuance of Rent Cards. Effective 1st April 2026, every landlord is required to issue an official Rent Card to each tenant upon commencement of tenancy and ensure that rent payments are properly recorded therein. This directive is in accordance with the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) Section 20 and PNDCL 138 of 1986, Section 5, which make the issuance and proper maintenance of Rent Cards for all tenancies a statutory obligation. As part of ongoing institutional reforms to strengthen compliance, transparency, and accountability in rent administration, the Department further stated that from 1st April 2026, no landlord who appears before any Rent Control office without proof of issuance of Rent Card(s) to tenants will be attended to for any service. This includes rent assessment applications, rent disputes, recovery of premises proceedings, complaints against tenants, and settlement processes. Landlords found in default of issuing Rent Cards as required by law will be deemed in breach of statutory obligations and shall face the full rigors of the law, including sanctions prescribed under Act 220 and related regulations. The Rent Control Department emphasized its commitment to enforcing rent laws fairly, professionally, and without fear or favour, and called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the directive in the collective interest of promoting orderly rent administration across Ghana.  

Real Estate

Cement Producers Signal Possible Price Increases Amid Port Delays

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Cement producers have signaled possible price increases as persistent port congestion continues to delay clinker shipments, placing significant financial pressure on the industry. The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, met with cement manufacturers and port authorities on February 23, 2026, to address growing operational challenges that have slowed the discharge of clinker ,an essential input in cement production. The engagement, organised together with the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, examined bottlenecks that have left vessels waiting for up to three weeks before securing berthing space. Industry stakeholders report that ships transporting clinker are experiencing waiting periods of between 13 and 20 days, resulting in rising demurrage costs. Manufacturers warn that sustained delays could translate into higher production expenses and eventual price adjustments for consumers. The CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, described the situation as severe, noting that mounting demurrage charges are steadily eroding industry finances. While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, manufacturers appealed for short-term interventions, including access to additional berths and approval to offload non-dust-producing materials such as gypsum and slag at alternative docking points to ease pressure on existing facilities. Addressing the concerns, the Transport Minister indicated that dredging activities are being expedited to increase berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels. He explained that current infrastructure limits the handling of bigger ships, contributing to extended turnaround times and vessel backlogs. Once completed by the end of June ,the upgraded facilities are projected to handle vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes, compared with the present 8,000-tonne capacity. Portions of the work, particularly around Berth 14, are expected to be finished within the next two weeks, offering some early relief. In her remarks, the Trade Minister emphasised that government intervention is aimed at tackling structural inefficiencies affecting industrial productivity, not merely preventing price increases. “If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she stated. She noted that operational delays, even for a single day, can result in substantial financial losses for businesses, reaffirming her Ministry’s commitment to swift and coordinated action. She expressed optimism that visible improvements would emerge within weeks through collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and industry players. President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, praised the government’s proactive engagement, saying the interim measures and the anticipated completion of dredging should restore efficiency and help stabilise production costs with potential benefits for consumers. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain the competitiveness of Ghana’s cement sector, alongside expectations that port congestion will gradually ease before the middle of the year.

Real Estate

When Accommodation Costs More Than Tuition: The Student Housing Struggle in Accra

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Rent issues in Accra have become a growing concern, affecting the daily lives of many Ghanaians. While much of the focus is on general housing costs, one segment that often escapes scrutiny is the private hostel market — where students at institutions such as the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) are increasingly feeling the financial strain. With a student population exceeding 70,000 at the University of Ghana alone, providing on-campus accommodation for all students remains a major challenge. The university’s In-Out-Out-Out policy — which guarantees traditional hall residence for first-year students for only one academic year — means continuing students (Levels 200–400) must find alternative housing. The result: a booming private hostel market and growing concerns about affordability. The Numbers: What Students Are Paying Around University of Ghana (Legon): Single room: GH¢9,500 – GH¢27,769 per year Two-in-a-room: GH¢10,257 – GH¢21,329 per year Four-in-a-room: GH¢5,955 – GH¢8,876 per year Additional charges: JCR dues, registration and booking fees (varies by hostel) Even within the same occupancy category, prices differ significantly. One two-in-a-room facility may charge GH¢10,000, while another charges GH¢15,000. Pricing differences are influenced by: Whether the room is self-contained or shares washrooms and kitchens Balcony access Private kitchen or kitchenette Room size Air conditioning availability These factors explain the wide price variations within the same accommodation categories. What Hostel Fees Typically Cover                                                                                                                                                                       In some hostels, fees include: Water (and sometimes electricity) Generator/standby plant services DSTV JCR dues However, this is far from uniform. In many facilities, electricity is billed separately. Students must top up prepaid meters in addition to paying substantial accommodation fees. Although JCR dues are capped at GH¢100 by the university, they are sometimes charged separately rather than included in the main hostel fee. Off Legon: Slightly Cheaper, But At a Cost Students who move to areas such as Okponglo, Madina, Adenta, and Haatso often pay slightly lower rents. Some off-campus facilities charge: GH¢4,500 for two-in-a-room every four months GH¢5,500 for one-in-a-room every four months Monthly electricity averaging around GH¢50 But lower rent comes with trade-offs. Transport costs increase overall expenses, and students must also consider safety, convenience, and commuting time. Students Speak Out For many students, the rising cost feels disproportionate. “The hostel fees are a bit too much. It’s unreasonable to pay such huge amounts just to stay somewhere, and sometimes pay less for academics.” Another student questioned the value for money: “Fees keep increasing, but when you visit the facilities, nothing has improved. If prices are skyrocketing, infrastructure should reflect that.” What Hostel Operators Say Hostel managers argue that the cost of borrowing is the main driver of high prices. According to operators, interest rates on loans used to construct hostel facilities have in the past reached as high as 40 percent. “Most of what students pay goes into servicing loans. It’s expensive to build, and interest rates are very high.” They also note that beyond the regulation of JCR dues, there are no clear caps on hostel pricing. The market largely determines accommodation costs. Government and University Response In response to the accommodation crisis, the Mahama-led government earlier this year announced plans to construct a 10,000-bed student hostel at the University of Ghana through international partnerships. Government has also signaled plans to regulate private hostel fees to stabilize accommodation costs across Accra. Meanwhile, the University of Ghana is pursuing additional on-campus solutions, including the SRC Hostel Initiative aimed at expanding student housing capacity. The Vice Dean of Student Affairs has indicated that the university may consider reviewing the In-Out-Out-Out policy once the proposed 10,000-bed facility becomes operational. As demand continues to outpace supply, students remain caught between rising private hostel fees and limited on-campus options. The challenge now is balancing: Access Affordability Quality And sustainable investment in student housing Because for many students in Accra, the cost of accommodation is no longer just a housing issue — it is shaping their entire university experience.