By Dennis Peprah, GNA
Busunya, (B/A), Feb 18, GNA – Local revenue mobilisation in the Nkoranza North District Assembly has improved due to the intervention of a project, which seeks to deepen the understanding of citizens on the need and benefits of tax payment.
The Assembly’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF) realised sharp increase of its local revenue from GH¢228,157.06 in 2017 to GH¢260,550 in 2018 due to the implementation of the STAR Ghana Anti-Corruption project, which also sought to block the loopholes in revenue collection at the Assembly.
According to Mr Anthony Afari, the Nkoranza North District Budget Analyst, the project implementation which started in 2018, has whipped the enthusiasm of tax collectors in local revenue mobilisation.
He said the project had strengthened engagements between the Assembly and traders and businesses in fee fixing resolutions and rates thereby encouraging tax payers to understand and pay.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a town hall meeting held at Busunya on Thursday, Mr Afari said the project had also helped to erode the wrong perceptions on taxation and corruption.
The Assembly in collaboration with MIHOSO International, local implementor of the project organised the meeting, which created common platform for the Assembly and citizens to interact to improve on local governance.
The objective of the 12-months STAR Ghana Anti-Corruption project, being implemented by MIHOSO International, a Non-Governmental Organisation and expected to be completed in June this year, is to promote transparency and accountability.
Mr Afari reminded the citizens that the Assembly’s IGF in one way or the other determined the quantum of the amount it would receive from the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), and urged the revenue collectors to work hard to raise rates and fees.
Mr Solomon Agyei, a Deputy Coordinating Director at the Assembly, lauded the project, and assured citizens that the assembly would channel its revenue into development to help alleviate the plight of the people.
He expressed the hope that the friendly relationship between the Assembly and citizens would be deepened for mutual benefits, and asked tax payers in the District to cooperate with the revenue collectors and also visit and dialogue with the assembly in seeking redress for their grievances.
Mr Thomas Benarkuu, the Programmes Director of MIHOSO International, advised authorities at the assembly to own the project to ensure its sustainability.
He said organisation of the town hall meetings remained a key ingredient in strengthening the local government system and urged the Assembly to continue with it to improve on transparency and accountability at the assembly.
Mr Benarkuu said the project was being implemented in four districts in the region – Nkoranza North, Sene East, Pru East and Kintampo South Districts.
GNA
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