Madam Edna Vivian Arkoh, the Obuasi Municipal Budget Officer has disclosed that the Municipal Assembly exceeded its budgeted Internally Generated Fund (IGF) revenue of GH¢5,050,086.00 by collecting GH5, 642,060.37 representing (111%).
She commended the residents of Obuasi for fulfilling their civic responsibilities by paying their tolls, levies and rates to the Assembly.
The Budget Officer assured them that the amount generated would boost the Assembly’s capacity to embark on its planned projects and programmes for the people of Obuasi, while supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to rake in more revenue from property rates to meet its target.
Mr Elijah Adansi-Bonah, the Municipal Chief Executive told stakeholders at a Town Hall meeting that the Assembly was committed to collaborating effectively with the GRA to ensure that they are able to effectively meet their targets.
The town hall meeting was attended by Nananom, Heads of departments, Assembly members, the Clergy and representatives of the Business community in Obuasi.
Mr Adansi-Bonah explained that the decision by the GRA to collect property rates, which was the responsibility of the MMDCAs, was in accordance with the National Budget Estimates and Appropriation Act 2022, directing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to cede the collection of property Rate to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The MCE referred to the presentation of the 2022 budget statement and economic policy on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 in which the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, stated that government was looking forward to assisting the Metropolitan Municipal and Districts Assemblies (MDAs) to implement a common platform for property rate administration to enable them effectively collect property rates in the country.
Mr. Adansi-Bonah was of the view that the decision will boost the Assembly’s Internally Generated Fund, hence the Assembly has already supported GRA by providing office accommodation for officials who have been designated to collect property rate.
He said the Assembly is collaborating with GRA to collect the property rate in terms of logistical support and public sensitization.
He noted that, when they are able to maximise revenue mobilization through property rates, it will save the Assembly of the government subventions.
Mr Bonah believed that, maximising revenue especially from Internally Generated Fund (IGF) would provide the Assembly with the needed financial resources to embark on the projects.
He announced plans by the Assembly to construct an urban park, which would have an auditorium with the capacity of 1,500 people, a swimming pool and other facilities, to serve as recreational centre for the people of Obuasi.
He revealed that, the Assembly has moved to construct two cassava processing factories at Sanso and Mimiriwa, which factories are expected to provide jobs and also prevent post-harvest losses.
MCE Adansi-Bonah said the development of the Obuasi Artisan site, construction of roads, School blocks and Nurses Quarters featured prominently in the projects earmarked to be constructed in 2023 by the Assembly.
