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Article
Housing and Health in Ghana: The Psychosocial Impacts of Renting a Home
International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health
  • Isaac Luginaah, The University of Western Ontario
  • Godwin Arku, The University of Western Ontario
  • Philip Baiden, The University of Western Ontario
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2010
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7020528
Disciplines
Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study investigating the impacts of renting a home on the psychosocial health of tenants in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA) in Ghana. In-depth interviews (n = 33) were conducted with private renters in Adabraka, Accra. The findings show that private renters in the AMA face serious problems in finding appropriate and affordable rental units, as well as a persistent threat of eviction by homeowners. These challenges tend to predispose renters to psychosocial distress and diminishing ontological security. Findings are relevant to a range of pluralistic policy options that emphasize both formal and informal housing provision, together with the reorganization and decentralization of the Rent Control Board to the district level to facilitate easy access by the citizenry.

Citation Information
Isaac Luginaah, Godwin Arku and Philip Baiden. "Housing and Health in Ghana: The Psychosocial Impacts of Renting a Home" International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health Vol. 7 Iss. 2 (2010) p. 528 - 545
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/godwin-arku/3/