The Ga West Municipal Assembly has engaged stakeholders in a consultative meeting on the proposed 2027 rates, fees and licences, as part of efforts to promote transparency, stakeholder participation and effective revenue mobilisation for the development of the Municipality.

The engagement, held at the Assembly Hall, brought together Assembly officials and stakeholders to deliberate on the 2027 fiscal year planning process, development priorities and the use of internally generated funds to provide essential services.

Chairing the meeting, the Deputy Director, Mr. Julius Azuma, said the concerns and interests of stakeholders would be considered in the preparation of the 2027 rates, fees and licences.

He assured participants that there would be no increase in the 2027 rates and encouraged residents and ratepayers to contact the Assembly for clarification if they received bills that appeared higher than what they were required to pay in 2026.

The Head of the Budget Department, Madam Mary Acquah, in a presentation, highlighted the Assembly’s revenue and expenditure performance, development activities and key areas requiring investment.

She explained that revenue generated through rates, fees, levies, licences and other internally generated funds was essential to the provision of services and implementation of development projects in areas such as education, healthcare, roads, water, sanitation and waste management.

Madam Acquah noted that the growing population of the Municipality continued to place pressure on existing infrastructure and essential services, making effective revenue mobilisation and prudent management of resources critical to meeting the Assembly’s development targets.

The Physical Planning Department also educated stakeholders on the need to obtain the necessary development permits before commencing construction.

A representative of the Physical Planning Department, Madam Eyram, advised prospective landowners and developers to consult the Assembly before acquiring land or commencing development to ensure that proposed developments conform to approved local plans.

She cautioned against developments that obstruct waterways and streams, as well as the inappropriate siting of structures and filling stations. She stressed that proper physical planning and compliance with development regulations were essential to preventing problems, including flooding.

Madam Eyram further encouraged developers to submit their land documents, site plans and building drawings to the Physical Planning Department for assessment and guidance before undertaking construction.

The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs. Louisa Benon, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for participating in the engagement and contributing to the 2027 budget preparation process.

She explained that the Assembly engages stakeholders ahead of the new fiscal year to ensure that proposed rates and charges are communicated and discussed before bills are issued.

Mrs. Benon encouraged residents, businesses and other ratepayers to pay their bills and rates promptly, noting that timely payment would enable the Assembly to mobilise the resources needed to implement planned programmes and projects.

She also encouraged stakeholders to seek clarification on how revenue collected by the Assembly was utilised, stressing the importance of accountability and active participation in the development process.

The engagement underscored the need for continued collaboration between the Assembly and stakeholders to improve revenue mobilisation, ensure compliance with development regulations and address the Municipality’s growing infrastructure and service needs.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating stakeholder concerns into the finalisation of the 2027 rates, fees, licences and budget to support the sustainable development of the Ga West Municipality.

Source: Rachel Sarpong, ISD-GWMA.