Dr Razak Kojo Opoku, a leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and founder of the UP Tradition Institute, has commended Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku for what he describes as his impact in office.
Dr Opoku, a policy analyst, said the Acting Commissioner had demonstrated that public officials could make a meaningful difference without necessarily occupying what he described as a “juicy appointment.”
He made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page, where he also proposed that the government upgrade the Rent Control Department into a National Rent and Property Control Authority (NRPCA).
Under the proposed arrangement, the new authority would be given additional responsibilities, including the collection of property taxes, commonly known as property rates, and the maintenance of public facilities.
Dr Razak Kojo Opoku argued that such an expansion would broaden the department’s role in property administration and public service delivery.
He further proposed that Frederick Opoku be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the proposed authority, citing his assessment of the Acting Commissioner’s performance.
The proposal, if adopted, would represent a change in the structure and responsibilities of the existing Rent Control Department.
Dr Razak Kojo Opoku urged President John Dramani Mahama’s government to take what he described as a bold step towards establishing the proposed authority.
However, the suggestion remains a proposal from Dr Opoku, and the statement provided does not indicate that the government has announced plans to establish the NRPCA or appoint Frederick Opoku to lead it.