Akyem Oda, July 22, GNA - The Birim South District Council of Labour of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Saturday expressed worry about escalating levels of rent and rent advances by landlords in the area.

At a meeting at Akyem Oda, the Council noted with concern that landlords were now demanding between 120,000 to 150,000 cedis a month for a chamber and a hall with two to three years rent advance. Two-bedroom, hall and kitchen were now being renting between 250,000 and 350,000 cedis a month with between two to three years' advance.

Mr Courage Bonuedi, chairman of the District Council of Labour said the high rent charges were compelling some workers to use offices as their places of abode.

He appealed that if there was any law on rent advances it must be enforced to protect workers against exploitation by landlords. Mr Bonuedi also urged the government and district assemblies to embark on the construction of unit housing projects to alleviate accommodation problems of workers. Meanwhile, the Council has also expressed concern about child labour in the area and urged parents to take advantage of the Capitation Grant to send their children to school. According to the Council, as early as 04.30 hours some children could be seen selling iced water at lorry parks, a practice they continued during school hours. The council appealed to the relevant agencies to check such practices to ensure a brighter future for such children. 22 July 06