The Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Ashanti Region to submit details of all gazetted fees and levies to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) for careful review and scrutiny. The move is part of efforts to ensure that local government authorities adhere to the law in setting charges and revenue measures.
Dr Amoakohene said the review will focus on whether the fees, rates and levies imposed by assemblies comply with provisions of the Local Government Act and existing by-laws. Officials are expected to provide full documentation on all charges they currently collect, especially those applied in commercial and mining-related activities across the region.
The minister emphasised that transparent and lawful revenue mobilisation is essential to building public trust and protecting businesses. He cautioned Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) against hastily imposing levies on enterprises — particularly those that lack proper authorisation — and warned that such actions could negatively affect the environment and local commerce.
In addition to submitting gazetted fees and levies, Dr Amoakohene urged assemblies to verify that operators, including those in mining, sand winning and quarrying, hold valid business permits and environmental certificates from the Environmental Protection Agency before any charges are applied.
The directive is also aimed at strengthening internal revenue systems in the region while ensuring that all statutory charges are fair, lawful and clearly communicated to stakeholders. Local authorities have been told to comply fully with the review process and await further instructions on any updates to fee structures.
