The Akatsi South Municipal Assembly in Ghana has begun a five-day stakeholder consultation on its proposed 2027 Fee Fixing Resolution. This exercise, which started at the Municipal Assembly Hall in Akatsi, aims to solicit inputs from business groups and other stakeholders in the municipality. The consultation is part of the Assembly's efforts to engage the public before the proposed fees and charges are approved for the 2027 financial year.
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akatsi South, Daniel Dagba, opened the consultation and highlighted the Assembly's commitment to improving engagement with stakeholders. The approach involves segmenting interactions to reflect various trade and business interests, promoting efficiency, transparency, and consensus-building. Each session will focus on issues affecting specific sectors and their operations.
The consultation will provide the Assembly with an opportunity to account for the use of revenue mobilized from the public and work with stakeholders to determine mutually beneficial fees and charges for 2027. Once approved, the Fee Fixing Resolution will serve as the reference document for the Assembly's revenue collection efforts and will be enforceable in the courts.
Daniel Dagba urged representatives of business associations, groups, and other interests to communicate the outcomes of the consultations to their members. This will promote understanding and harmony between the Assembly and the business community. He also provided updates on other projects, including the 24-hour economy market project for Akatsi South, which has been awarded on contract.
The 24-hour economy market project is currently at the foundation stage, with the contractor mobilized to site. The Assembly is also constructing five 12-unit market sheds at the Akatsi Market using internally generated funds. Additionally, the VIP sheds at the Akatsi Market project has been awarded on contract, with the contractor expected to complete the work within the next few weeks.
The Assembly has also taken measures to improve security and attract more patronage at the Akatsi Market. Defects on the market's fence wall have been corrected, and the entry and exit gates have been reinforced. Municipal Coordinating Director, Issah Umar, emphasized that the consultation is an essential part of the fee-fixing process, providing participants with the opportunity to share their views and concerns.
The consultation will engage various sectors, including financial institutions, hospitality operators, food vendors, private school owners, shop owners, artisans, insurance companies, and other relevant stakeholders. Participants will deliberate on the proposed fees and charges and make inputs to guide the Assembly in finalizing the 2027 Fee Fixing Resolution.
Key points
- The Akatsi South Municipal Assembly has started a 5-day stakeholder consultation on its proposed 2027 Fee Fixing Resolution.
- The consultation aims to solicit inputs from business groups and other stakeholders in the municipality.
- The proposed Fee Fixing Resolution will serve as the reference document for the Assembly's revenue collection efforts and will be enforceable in the courts.
