Charging rent in Dollars violates Ghanaian Law – Rent Commissioner
The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has criticised the growing practice of charging rent in foreign currencies in Ghana, describing it as illegal and a reflection of increasing indiscipline within the economy.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Opoku questioned why some landlords continue to advertise properties and demand rent payments in US dollars when the Ghana cedi remains the country’s official legal tender.
“Do we spend dollars in Ghana? No. That is where the lawlessness begins,” he said.
According to Opoku, the public display of rental prices in dollars highlights weak enforcement of financial regulations and promotes disregard for the law.
He expressed concern that some property owners openly quote multimillion-dollar prices for properties without facing sanctions.
“We are bold enough to come on television and say one million dollars, three million dollars, and go with impunity,” he stated.
Opoku revealed that the Rent Control Department is currently working with the Financial Markets Department of the Bank of Ghana to tackle the increasing dollarisation of the property market.
He noted that regulators have consistently warned businesses and landlords against demanding payment in foreign currencies for local transactions unless they have legal authorisation to do so.
The Acting Rent Commissioner further explained that although the Bank of Ghana has issued directives prohibiting the pricing of goods and services in foreign currencies without prior approval, enforcing those directives continues to be difficult.
The issue of dollarisation has remained a major concern for regulators and policymakers, especially during periods of cedi depreciation and economic instability.
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