The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on Tuesday led a new team of revenue collectors from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to the Kantamanto Market in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of a revenue mobilisation and enforcement exercise aimed at increasing compliance and educating traders on the importance of paying market tolls.
The exercise, which forms part of broader efforts by the Assembly to strengthen Internally Generated Funds (IGF), was also used to sensitise traders on how government revenues were reinvested into public infrastructure and services.
Addressing market women and traders during the exercise, Mayor Allotey explained that market tolls were fees collected from individuals engaged in any form of commercial activity in the metropolis, adding that the tolls were intended to help manage market activities, maintain infrastructure, and fund local development initiatives.
Accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Hon. Alfred Allotey-Gaisie; the Metro Coordinating Director, Mr. Douglas N.K. Annoful; the Director of Finance at the AMA, Mr. Abeeku Amissah and other officials from the Assembly, Mayor Kpakpo Allotey revealed that the approved daily market toll was GH¢2 and cautioned traders against paying for fake or unofficial receipts.
“Don’t allow anyone to deceive you. Always make sure you take your receipt after paying. We have two main tickets, one for revenue collection and another for waste collection. If anyone demands more than GH¢2 or presents unfamiliar tickets, don’t pay,” he advised.
The Mayor explained that market tolls collected under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), and the AMA Fee-Fixing Resolution were lawful levies imposed by the Assembly to fund the development and maintenance of infrastructure and essential services, including waste management, sanitation enforcement, and road rehabilitation.
“We take these revenues for the development of the city. This money is used for the day-to-day running of the Assembly and services that benefit you directly, like rubbish collection and market sanitation,” he stated.
Mayor Allotey recounted his decision to forgo several privileges upon assuming office to redirect funds into community projects.
He noted that the exercise was a gesture of goodwill to foster a stronger relationship with the traders, who remain a permanent fixture in the market irrespective of changing governments.
“You have been here longer than most of us in the office. I’m here to work with you and not against you. Each government comes and goes, but you are still here,” he remarked.
The Mayor promised to clear the entrance to the market as requested by the leadership of the Kantamanto market and improve accessibility for both traders and customers.
The AMA, in accordance with Section 120 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), is empowered to collect fees, rates, and tolls as part of its revenue generation to ensure the provision of essential municipal services. The AMA’s Fee-Fixing Resolution further specifies the exact tolls payable by market users and other commercial operators within its jurisdiction.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
