The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has announced a set of new regulatory measures aimed at guiding Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on the lawful imposition of fees and levies, particularly in mining, quarry and sand winning areas across the region.
The directives were issued by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, during a meeting with all District Assemblies at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.
The meeting, according to the minister, was prompted by petitions and complaints over the manner in which some local levies and charges were being applied within certain communities.
Dr. Amoakohene stressed the need for transparency, due process and strict compliance with Ghana’s local governance legal framework to protect businesses while enhancing responsible revenue mobilisation.
“We must ensure that revenue collection is done lawfully, fairly and in line with approved processes to avoid abuse and protect legitimate operators,” he said.
As part of the new measures, the RCC directed that all fee fixing by Assemblies must strictly follow Local Government guidelines and approved statutory procedures.
In addition, all existing by-laws relating to fees and levies are to be submitted to the RCC for review and validation.
The minister further instructed that revenue mobilisation task forces should issue stickers only to legally registered entities, including equipment, vehicles and premises.
Assemblies have also been tasked to request and verify business registration certificates, licences and permits from any operator seeking to register equipment or conduct business within their jurisdictions, with particular emphasis on mining, quarry and sand winning activities.
Dr. Amoakohene explained that the “new directives are intended to promote accountability, eliminate unauthorised charges and create a fair business environment while strengthening internally generated revenue systems across the region”.
He reaffirmed the RCC’s commitment to supporting Assemblies to mobilise revenue lawfully and sustainably in the interest of development in the Ashanti Region.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
