Asokwa, Ashanti Region – September 8, 2023 – Assembly members within the Asokwa Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region are calling on the government to grant them the authority to directly collect property taxes. They argue that this move is necessary to fulfil their development responsibilities effectively.
Since the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) designated an entity to collect property rates beginning in 2023, the assembly claims that it has not been receiving its rightful share, causing a significant hindrance to its operations.
Assembly members expressed their frustration with this situation, asserting that it has severely hampered the assembly's ability to carry out its duties as expected.
To address their concerns and regain the authority to collect property rates, the assembly members are submitting proposals to relevant stakeholders.
They have also resolved, following a meeting, to establish a task force for property rate collection starting from October 2023, citing legal provisions that permit them to collect these taxes independently.
The presiding member for the Asokwa Municipal Assembly, Elliot Fosu Bannor, emphasized the urgent need for development in the region. He highlighted the challenges faced by various electoral areas, including delays in receiving common funds and outstanding arrears.
Bannor stated, “We need development. Do you know the problems that we are going through in our respective electoral areas? Sometimes it takes three or four years before the common fund comes. When it comes to, it comes in tranches. This year, almost two or three quarters are in arrears. And Asokwa, we are not using the common fund, we are using the IGF, and IGF is the heart of every assembly, especially the property rate…other than that, it will affect the local government system.”
Reporting by Edward Oppong Marfo. Editing by Mariam Aminu.
