CVA TRAINING PROGRAMME HELD AT GA WEST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY

‎A training programme for Community Valuation Assistants (CVAs) was held on Tuesday, 18th August 2026 at the Assembly Hall. The programme was organised to prepare CVAs with the knowledge, skills and professional values needed to support the property-rating and valuation exercise and ensure the collection of accurate property data within the municipality.
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‎Present at the ceremony were the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai; the Municipal Coordinating Director, Madam Louisa Benon; and the Municipal Budget Officer, Madam Mary Acquah 
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‎Mr. Farouk Braimah, the Executive Director of the Peoples Dialogue, gave a brief overview of the Community Valuation Assistant Programme. He explained the purpose of the programme and how the training would be conducted. He encouraged participants to take the sessions seriously, participate actively and apply the knowledge gained during their field activities.
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‎The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai urged the CVAs to take the training seriously, stressing that the success of the property-rating exercise would depend greatly on the quality of data collected from the field. He encouraged them to be diligent, attentive and professional in their work and ensure that the information gathered accurately represents the properties within the communities. He noted that accurate property data would support effective valuation, billing, revenue mobilisation and development planning in the municipality.
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‎Participants were taken through the objectives of the training and provided with an overview of the property-rating exercise. The CVAs were urged to learn how their responsibilities would contribute to the overall success of the exercise as accurate and reliable property information  supports valuation, rating, billing and revenue collection.
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‎The training continued with a presentation by Madam Mary Acquah, Head of the Budget Department, who took participants through the local government structures, municipal finance and the place of property rates. She explained the importance of property rates as a source of Internally Generated Funds for the Assembly and discussed rate impost, billing and collection. She emphasized the need for proper assessment, accurate billing and effective collection to improve revenue mobilisation and support development within the municipality.
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‎Participants were also taken through property rating and valuation by Surveyor Eric Boateng. His presentation covered the valuation list and the importance of accurate property information. He explained the need to properly capture ownership, occupancy and contact information, as well as the use of the property and nature of development.
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‎Surveyor Eric Boateng further took participants through the main categories and sub-categories of properties, including compounds, mixed-use properties and floors. He also addressed difficult classification cases, guiding participants on the importance of carefully assessing properties and correctly recording and classifying information during fieldwork. He stressed the need for accuracy and attention to detail throughout the data collection process.
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‎Another important session was facilitated by Surveyor. Nash, who took participants through the institutional roles involved in the property-rating exercise. He explained the roles of the Ga West Municipal Assembly (GWMA), LVD Field Coordinator, Supervisors, Back Checkers and Community Valuation Assistants. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, coordination and communication among all stakeholders to ensure that the exercise is successfully implemented and that accurate information is obtained.
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‎The programme also placed strong emphasis on professional conduct and safety. Kojo Anane took participants through CVA ethics, safeguarding, confidentiality, anti-bribery and field safety. He reminded participants of the need to conduct themselves professionally when dealing with property owners and members of the public. Participants were advised to protect confidential information, avoid bribery and maintain integrity in the performance of their duties.
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‎The session on safeguarding highlighted the importance of protecting both CVAs and members of the public during field activities. Participants were also encouraged to remain vigilant, observe appropriate safety measures and maintain professional boundaries while working within the various communities.
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‎The training programme provided the Community Valuation Assistants with a broad understanding of their responsibilities and the importance of their contribution to the municipality. From understanding local government structures and municipal finance to identifying and classifying properties, recording accurate information and maintaining professional standards, participants were equipped with knowledge essential to the success of the exercise.
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‎The programme ended with a strong emphasis on accuracy, professionalism, integrity, teamwork and commitment. The knowledge gained is expected to enable the CVAs to carry out their field duties effectively and contribute to improved property valuation, accurate billing, increased revenue mobilisation and better development planning within the Ga West Municipality.

Source: Gifty Owusu Kattah, ISD-GWMA