Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has tasked the board and management of the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC) to ensure an opening of the Agency’s offices by April this year
The Agency, since its establishment by law in 2020, is yet to open its offices to the general public.
On his first working visit on Monday, February 26, 2024 Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasised the urgency of getting REAC fully operational to regulate transactions in the real estate industry effectively.
“The Contractor tells me he wants to use a little over two months to finish the work but I have tasked him to finish by the end of April, because we want to get the Agency functioning so that they can serve our citizens, so that the difficulty our citizens go through when they are doing real estate transactions will be minimised,” he said.
Parliament in 2020 passed the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047) creating the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC). This body was tasked with regulating the sector, ensuring fairness and transparency in real estate transactions.
However, despite the passage of the legislation to fully establish and operationalise the Agency, it has been slow in executing it mandates.
While the Council has been sworn in, its functions remain dormant with the CEO working from the Ministry of Works and Housing, rather than from the REAC’s headquarters.
Addressing the challenges faced by REAC, the Minister stressed the need for swift action in establishing its offices expressing concern over the delay in its operationalisation.
He gave the assurance that plans are underway to secure funding for the furnishing and staffing of the offices when completed.
In response to the Minister’s directives, the CEO of REAC, Nana Turkson, expressed gratitude for his visit and took the opportunity to further highlight the problems facing the Agency.
He said it has staff deficit, logistically constrained, needs funds for its day-to-day operations and a cloud-based system for remote engagement with clients.
In another development, the Ministry of Works and Housing has appointed Manasseh Atta Boahene as its new spokesperson.
Mr Boahene, a seasoned professional with a rich background in economics and public relations, brings a wealth of experience to the position.
Having previously served as the government Spokesperson on the economy, Boahene’s transition to this new role is seen as a natural progression, given his aptitude for navigating complex economic matters and articulating them effectively to the public.
A graduate of the University of Ghana, Manasseh Atta Boahene holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Study of Religions, as well as a Master of Philosophy in Economics. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Development Economics and his academic pursuits underscore his commitment to furthering his expertise in the field.
As the newly appointed spokesperson, Mr. Boahen is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative surrounding the Ministry’s initiatives, fostering constructive dialogue and ultimately helping the public understand the various projects the Ministry is embarking on.
