As part of efforts to improve Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and promote tax compliance, the Upper Manya Krobo District Assembly embarked on a revenue mobilization exercise at Akateng. The exercise aimed at engaging stakeholders, collecting revenue, and educating the public on their tax obligations.
The exercise was carried out by a joint team comprising of Hon. Emmanuel Kwesi Laweh (District Chief Executive-DCE), Mad. Eunice Naalier (District Coordinating Director), the Revenue Mobilization Team, Staff of the District Assembly, Benjamin Abeka Buxton (District Police Commander) with his officers from the Police Service, Officers from the Ghana National Fire Service as well as the Assemblyman for Akaten Electoral Area. The exercise was conducted to mobilize revenue from businesses and identifiable groups, educate taxpayers on the importance of paying levies and taxes, encourage voluntary compliance among ratepayers as well as strengthen collaboration between the Assembly and community stakeholders.
A key highlight of the exercise was an engagement meeting with canoe owners operating within Akateng. The District Coordinating Director, together with the District Police Commander and the Assemblyman for Akaten Electoral Area, met directly with the canoe owners. During this interaction, the canoe owners were sensitized on their tax obligations to the District Assembly. Detailed explanations were provided on the specific amounts they are required to pay and the team outlined the importance of paying these levies, emphasizing how the revenue contributes to local development projects such as infrastructure, sanitation, and community services. The discussion was interactive, allowing the canoe owners to ask questions and seek clarification. The officials encouraged the canoe operators to comply willingly and consistently with the payment schedule.
The presence of the District Police Commander ensured order, while the Assemblyman facilitated effective communication between the Assembly and the canoe operators. The team visited various business establishments and revenue points within Akateng. Revenue collectors issued bills, demand notices, and collected payments from compliant taxpayers. Defaulters were identified and appropriately cautioned. Public education was carried out to inform residents and business operators about their civic responsibility to pay taxes. Emphasis was placed on the benefits of tax compliance and the role of IGF in district development.
The revenue mobilization exercise at Akateng was successful, particularly due to the direct engagement with key stakeholders such as canoe owners. The sensitization efforts are expected to improve compliance and revenue generation in the area.
(District Information Officer- UMKDA)
