Asutifi District rakes in more than estimated revenue
The Asutifi District Assembly in Brong Ahafo had as at the end of last August generated GH¢830,175.03, representing 132 per cent of the estimated internally-generated revenue of GH¢639,970 for the year.
Mr Eric Addae, District Chief Executive, announced this at the third ordinary meeting of the fourth session of the fifth Assembly at Kenyase on Wednesday.
He said the achievement had been possible through effective supervision of the revenue collectors, sensitization of tax payers and the re-activation of the district revenue task force.
The DCE admitted that stool land revenue constituted a chunk of the internally-generated revenue and to further improve on performance, the Assembly would adopt public-private partnership for the re-valuation of properties in the district to facilitate the imposition of realistic rates on properties.
“The Assembly cannot continue to rely on the district Assemblies Common fund due to its unpredictability as a result of upfront deductions as well as erratic releases.
“It is equally dangerous to over rely on royalties which will cease coming one day when Newmont’s (the district is home of the mining company’s Ahafo mine operations) activities come to an end”, Mr Addae said.
Mr Addae said it would therefore be important to strengthen internal structures to mobilize adequate resources to carry on with the development agenda of the Assembly.
He announced that the Assembly had taken delivery of four heavy duty equipments – a grader, a roller, wheel loader and a truck – from the national security secretariat for the expansion of road network and the clearance of mounting refuse in the district.
The DCE explained that the equipment, which would be managed by the district security committee, would also be used by neighbouring Assemblies for the same purpose.
“This is in line the government’s objective of opening up the district to ensure that “people have easy access to the markets, health centres and schools, as well as create more job opportunities”.
Mr Addae charged the district security committee and the 10 operators, who underwent training and orientation in Accra, to take very good care of the equipment so as to achieve the purpose for which they were allocated.
He noted that indiscriminate disposal of waste was still a major challenge in the district and called for the concerted efforts of all to fight the canker.
“The health staffs of the Assembly have started inspecting premises, as well as drinking and chop bars to ensure strict observance of good sanitation practices and that residents live in a healthy environment and food sold to the public is of good quality and free from contamination”, the DCE added.
Mr Addae announced the Asutifi Education Support Fund had taken off and had so far supported 186 needy students at a total cost of GH¢26,000, adding the Justice and security sub-committee had completed reviewing the Assembly’s bye laws and would be laid before the house for ratification.
He warned: “Let me sound a note of caution that anybody who flouts the bye laws will not be spared”.
The DCE said the Assembly embarked on a number of developmental projects in the district during the period under review, which were at various levels of completion and included classroom blocks with offices, stores, staff common rooms, aqua privy toilets and police quarters.
Mr Addae, who later took newsmen round to inspect some of the projects, advised members of the Assembly contesting in the upcoming district level elections to exhibit a very high sense of decorum in their campaigning.
“Try to avoid making promises that you cannot fulfil in the long run. Be pragmatic and delve into the immediate needs of your people, which are attainable within your limited tenure of four years”, he said.
Source: GNA