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Why a Proper Tenancy Agreement Matters More Than Ever in Ghana’s Rental Market

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A house may have solid walls, a secure gate and freshly painted rooms, but without a clear tenancy agreement, the relationship between landlord and tenant can become surprisingly fragile.

In Ghana’s increasingly pressured rental market, the tenancy agreement is more than a formality.

It is the document that sets out who is responsible for what, how much rent is payable, how long the tenancy lasts and what happens when either party wants the arrangement to end.

Putting the Relationship in Writing

For a tenant moving into a property in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi or another growing urban centre, excitement about securing a home can sometimes overshadow the paperwork.

Yet details that seem minor at the beginning—who pays for repairs, which utilities are included, whether subletting is permitted or how a security deposit is handled—can become major sources of disagreement later.

A properly drafted agreement should identify the landlord and tenant, provide the property’s full address, state the start and end dates, specify the rent and outline maintenance, access, termination and payment responsibilities.

These details matter for property owners too. Clear terms can protect an investment, establish expectations for occupants and reduce disputes that can become costly and time-consuming.

A Rental Market Under Pressure

The need for clarity comes as Ghana continues to examine how its rental system should work in a rapidly urbanising country.

The Rent Control Department operates under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), while government has been pursuing reforms addressing issues including rent assessment and excessive rent advances.

The department has also introduced digital services for property registration, complaints and tenancy agreements, signalling a gradual shift towards a more formal and accessible rental system.

For landlords and tenants, the lesson is straightforward: don’t treat the agreement as something to sign quickly and forget. Read every clause, clarify anything unclear and seek professional legal advice where necessary.

In a competitive housing market, a good tenancy agreement does not create distrust. It creates certainty—and certainty is one of the most valuable things a landlord and tenant can share.

Homes & Real Estate

Building Smarter in Ghana: Could Plastic Rebar Clips Improve Construction Efficiency?

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In construction, a small innovation can make a significant difference to the time, labour and money required to complete a building.

In Ghana, where developers and homeowners closely monitor construction costs, replacing traditional reinforcement binding wire with plastic rebar clips could offer an alternative worth considering.

Rethinking How Buildings Are Reinforced

Before concrete is poured for a floor slab, columns or beams, steel reinforcement bars must be positioned and secured to create a stable framework.

Traditionally, workers use binding wire, twisting it around intersecting bars with pliers to hold them in place.

The method is flexible, allowing workers to adjust angles and accommodate different reinforcement layouts. However, tying numerous intersections by hand can be labour-intensive, adding hours of work to construction projects.

Plastic rebar clips offer a different approach. Designed to secure reinforcement bars at predetermined angles, they can help workers assemble consistent grids more quickly.

Depending on the product, installation may require a specialised tool, potentially introducing additional equipment costs.

Weighing Efficiency Against Flexibility

For Ghanaian property developers managing apartment blocks, commercial buildings or housing estates, reducing repetitive manual work could improve productivity and help construction teams meet project schedules.

Individual homeowners building incrementally may also benefit from methods that reduce labour requirements, provided the overall costs make sense.

Yet the clips are not a universal replacement for binding wire. Their fixed geometry may limit adjustments where reinforcement layouts require unusual angles or site-specific modifications.

Product quality, durability, compatibility with the reinforcement design and installation requirements must also be assessed.

Importantly, plastic clips do not automatically guarantee adequate concrete cover. The correct spacers and approved construction methods must still be used to maintain the required distance between steel reinforcement and the concrete surface.

Innovation Must Serve the Building

For Ghana’s construction sector, the lesson is straightforward: innovation should be judged by performance, safety and total project cost, not novelty alone.

The smartest building method is the one that saves time without compromising structural integrity.

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Homes & Real Estate

Making Every Square Metre Count: Interior Design Tips for Ghanaian Homeowners

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Buying a home is a major milestone, but the real test of ownership begins when the keys are in your hand and the empty rooms await your plans.

In Ghana’s increasingly urban housing market, where apartments and compact homes are popular with professionals, families and investors, thoughtful interior design can make the difference between a property that simply looks impressive and one that works beautifully for everyday life.

Designing for Comfort and Function

For buyers of modern developments such as Devtraco Plus, furnishing a new apartment involves more than choosing attractive sofas and decorative accessories. Every decision affects how residents move, relax and interact within their homes.

In the living room, clear walkways and carefully positioned furniture create an inviting space without making it feel cramped. Dining areas benefit from comfortable seating arrangements that encourage family meals and conversation, while appropriate lighting helps define the space.

The kitchen requires particular attention. Grouping utensils by purpose, keeping frequently used items accessible and maintaining clear preparation areas can make cooking easier, especially in apartments where storage is limited.

Bedrooms That Support Everyday Living

A bedroom should offer a retreat from Accra’s busy streets and demanding work schedules. Keeping unnecessary equipment and clutter to a minimum helps create a calmer environment. Simple furniture arrangements, soft colours and practical bedside lighting can make even a modest room feel restful.

Bathrooms also deserve attention. Secure, slip-resistant mats, accessible storage and easy-to-clean surfaces improve both safety and convenience.

Interior Design as a Property Investment

For homeowners and landlords, good design is not merely decorative. Durable finishes, efficient storage and flexible furniture arrangements can improve a property’s appeal to prospective tenants and buyers.

In Ghana, where purchasing a home often represents a substantial financial commitment, making existing space more functional can be a practical alternative to moving into a larger property.

The goal is not to fill every corner, but to make every room earn its place. A well-arranged home supports daily routines, welcomes visitors and makes ownership more rewarding long after the excitement of collecting the keys has passed.

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Homes & Real Estate

Ghana’s Property Market: Where Investment Meets Urban Growth

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For investors watching Ghana’s expanding cities, real estate is no longer simply about buying a house and waiting for its value to rise.

Growing demand for homes, commercial spaces and short-term accommodation is creating opportunities across several parts of the property market.

Infrastructure Makes a Difference

Government initiatives aimed at encouraging private-sector investment, including incentives for eligible developers, are helping shape Ghana’s property landscape.

The continued digitisation of land records is also important for a market where ownership verification and documentation have traditionally been major concerns.

For international investors, improvements in land administration could make property transactions easier to navigate, although proper legal and professional checks remain essential.

Apartments, Land and Commercial Space

Accra remains a major focus because of its concentration of businesses, expatriates, tourists and a growing urban population. Small apartment developments can serve the demand for both longer-term tenants and short-stay accommodation.

Land banking offers another route. Areas around Peduase and Aburi, for example, have attracted interest because development can gradually increase land values.

Commercial property in busy districts such as Madina, Spintex and Osu can also benefit from steady demand from businesses and shoppers.

Returns Come With Research

The attraction of Ghanaian property lies partly in the possibility of rental income and long-term appreciation.

But the market is not a guaranteed or risk-free investment. Location, construction quality, tenant demand, title documentation, financing costs and property management can all determine whether an investment succeeds.

For Ghanaians and overseas buyers alike, the bigger opportunity may be to approach real estate not simply as a place to store money, but as part of Ghana’s changing urban economy—where the right property can provide both shelter and income.

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