Bolgatanga, May 19, GNA - Rent for the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) workers' housing units in Bolgatanga has been increased by more than 100 per cent with effect from May 1, 2006. Mrs Esther Afulani, A Senior Staff of SSNIT, on behalf of the branch Manager, explained in a circular to all tenants that the general rent review exercise being undertaken by the Trust was as a result of the increasing cost incurred in the payment of property rates, insurance premiums and general maintenance of the buildings.

Mrs Afulani said the rent had been reviewed from 90,000 cedis per month to 200,000 cedis per month.

She said a new tenancy agreement incorporating the reviewed rent rules and regulations was being drafted for tenants to sign. In a survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sudden rent increase, workers were of the view that the timing was not convenient as workers were calling for more affordable houses and worker-friendly housing terms.

They noted that the increase, coupled with increase in fuel prices, would worsen workers' plight, as the recent increase in workers' salary announced by government was only 20 per cent.