Lattif Mubarak sat at his desk, staring at a long to-do list that included paying his property rate. Like many residents of Accra, he dreaded the long queues, the paperwork, and the precious time it would cost him to fulfill his civic obligation. But this year, something was different.
A message buzzed on his phone one Monday morning. “Dear resident, pay your Property Rate conveniently using this link,” it read, followed by a simple URL. Skeptical but curious, Lattifclicked the link. To his surprise, the process was straightforward. The platform guided him through entering his property details, calculating the rate, and confirming payment through mobile money.
“I couldn’t believe how easy it was,” Lattif recounted. “No queues, no forms, no stress. Just a few clicks, and I was done.”
Lattif is one of the many Accra residents embracing the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) new digital payment platform for Business Operating Permits (BOPs) and Property Rates.
By dialing 22233# for BOPs or 22255# for Property Rates, citizens can now settle their dues with unprecedented ease. The initiative is part of AMA’s push to modernize revenue collection, aligning with the government’s digitalization agenda.
“I used to postpone paying my rates because it felt like such a hassle, but this platform changed everything. It’s so convenient, and I feel like I’m supporting a system that works better for everyone,” he shared.
The AMA’s decision to integrate technology into its revenue collection process is already bearing fruit. With streamlined payments, better data accuracy, and improved service delivery, residents like Lattif can now fulfill their obligations without the usual headaches.
“If the AMA can make this simple, imagine what other public services could be like if we embrace technology fully. It’s a game-changer,” he suggested.
About the AMA rate payments system
For years, the manual payment process for BOPs and Property Rates posed significant challenges, including long queues, lost records, and payment delays.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its revenue collection process by introducing a digital payment platform for Business Operating Permits (BOPs) and Property Rates.
Citizens with properties in Accra can now pay for these services through the short codes 22233# and 22255# respectively, signaling a shift towards greater convenience and efficiency in public service delivery.
This initiative is part of AMA’s broader strategy to streamline revenue collection while improving data accuracy and service delivery. The assembly’s decision aligns with the government’s digitalization agenda, which emphasizes leveraging technology to create more efficient and transparent systems.
Boosting Service Delivery and Transparency
Beyond convenience, the platform enhances transparency. Users receive instant digital receipts, reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, the system allows AMA to track payments in real time, improving accountability and enabling better planning for urban development projects.
Public Awareness Campaign
The AMA is rolling out an awareness campaign to educate residents about the new system. This includes community sensitization, media outreach, and tutorials on using the short codes.
With this new digital tool, Accra is not only embracing technology but also setting a precedent for efficient municipal governance in Ghana.
Mr Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the Head of Public Affairs at AMA, said the centralised digital system was developed to address challenges associated with manual revenue collection processes.
“This platform is purposely designed to ensure efficient revenue collection, which will help in funding developmental projects in the city. It will also help reduce leakages in the system and ensure accountability,” he said.
“It is secure, accessible, and efficient. We are confident that it will transform the way rates are paid in the metropolis.”
Nii Ankrah said plans were afoot to roll out the platform across all the sub-metros in Accra. He called for collaboration among the stakeholders to make the centralised digital payment system succeed while reinforcing the Assembly’s commitment to improving service delivery and fostering local development. He urged all ratepayers to embrace the new platform and pay their property rates and business operating permits promptly.
The Director of Budget at AMA, Nobel Atsu Ahadzie, said the system enables ratepayers to make payments directly using their mobile phones, with the added convenience of downloading receipts and certificates online.
He described the platform as user-friendly and accessible, even to individuals with basic mobile phones. AMA plans to provide guidance and support for those who may require assistance, ensuring inclusivity in its implementation.
He pointed out that the new system supports payments for property rates, market tolls, parking tolls, and commercial signage adding that users could check their bills via SMS, a dedicated customer portal, or USSD, while payments could be made through mobile money, bank cards, or banks.
Mr. Ahadzie, also noted that the platform eliminates middlemen, reducing opportunities for corruption while enhancing accountability through real-time tracking of payments.
In an interview with an economic Analyst, Julius Gyimah, a digital payment platform for revenue collection will significantly enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of local government financial management.
According to Mr. Gyimah, digital platforms eliminate the delays associated with the manual distribution of demand notices for property rates and business permits.
“With the traditional system, assemblies distribute paper-based demand notices across districts, which takes time before payments are made. Sometimes, it takes even longer for property owners to process and pay their dues,” he noted.
“This system increases the speed and convenience of doing things. People can simply log in, link their accounts, and make payments directly into the assembly’s account without waiting for a demand notice,” Mr. Gyimah added.
Transparency and Accountability
Mr. Gyimah emphasized that digital payment systems would improve financial accountability.“ In the past, assemblies used manual demand notices for billing. Now, payments are made online, allowing authorities to track revenue in real time. Once the money is received, they can generate receipts and monitor how much has been collected over a specific period, such as a month,” he explained.
This, he said, would reduce leakages and ensure that all payments made by taxpayers are properly accounted for, fostering trust in local government institutions.
Cost Reduction and Compliance
“Previously, assemblies spent a lot of money hiring people to distribute demand notices. With a digital system, that cost is eliminated, leading to significant savings,” Mr. Gyimah said.
He further highlighted that digital platforms would encourage compliance by making it easier for taxpayers to access and pay their bills.
“People can voluntarily check their bills and pay online without any official chasing them. This increases compliance and ultimately boosts revenue collection,” he noted.
Challenges in Transitioning to Digital Systems
Despite the benefits, Mr. Gyimah acknowledged that some challenges could hinder the smooth transition from manual to digital revenue collection.
One major issue, he said, is the lack of IT knowledge among property owners and business operators. “A significant portion of the population lacks basic digital literacy. Some property owners may struggle to navigate the system, requiring assistance from family members,” he pointed out.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness about the new system. “Oftentimes, assemblies launch digital portals without sufficient public education. If people are unaware of these platforms, they will not use them, limiting their effectiveness,” he explained.
Long-Term Benefits of Digital Payment Platforms
Mr. Gyimah believes that, in the long run, digital payment platforms will benefit both taxpayers and government institutions.
“For taxpayers, the system offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity. Unlike manual filing, where people must complete numerous forms, the digital system makes it easier for them to comply with tax obligations,” he stated.
On the government’s side, he noted that digital platforms would increase revenue collection and reduce administrative costs.
Additionally, he highlighted that the transition to digital payments aligns with the broader digital economy agenda, allowing the government to integrate its services more effectively.
According to him, the property rate system’s ability to send electronic demand notices and facilitate seamless payments through mobile money and bank-linked platforms presents a scalable solution that could be adopted by various government institutions.
“This is a system that can be emulated in all sectors of our economy. We are moving away from manual processes into a digital and cashless economy, and digital payment solutions are now essential for efficiency and compliance,” he said.
Scaling Digital Payment Systems Across Sectors
Mr. Gyimah cited successful digital transformations in institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as evidence that such a system can be expanded nationwide.
“The DVLA, for instance, has introduced online registration for vehicle licenses, reducing long queues and administrative delays. Similarly, the GRA has developed an electronic portal for tax filing and payment, allowing taxpayers to settle obligations without visiting physical offices”, he emphasized.
“If this system is well-implemented, it can be applied to hospitals, agriculture, infrastructure, and education. Every sector that involves revenue collection or service payments can benefit from digitization,” he noted.
Beyond improving efficiency, the expert emphasized that digital payment systems encourage compliance by making transactions more convenient and transparent. The expert believes that a well-structured and secure digital payment system, modeled after the property rate system, can revolutionize governance in Ghana.
“This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.”
