Obuasi East Municipal Assembly Exceeds Revenue Target, Embraces National Development Priorities
The Obuasi East Municipal Assembly in Ghana has demonstrated remarkable progress in its revenue mobilization efforts, exceeding its internally generated revenue target for the first five months of 2025. Collecting GH₵1,005,127.58 against a projected target of GH₵915,420.00, the Assembly achieved a 110% performance rate, showcasing a significant improvement in its financial management. This achievement, lauded by Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Hon. William Kofi Adzowu, reflects the effectiveness of implemented revenue enhancement strategies and the dedication of the Assembly’s revenue unit. The success underscores the Assembly’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and its capacity to generate resources for local development initiatives.
The Assembly’s revenue success can be attributed to a multi-pronged approach focusing on key revenue streams. These include royalties from sand and stone extraction, fees generated from building and development permits, property rates, and daily market tolls. The MCE emphasized that while the current performance is commendable, the Assembly remains committed to continuous improvement and will explore further avenues to enhance revenue generation. This proactive stance indicates a commitment to long-term financial sustainability and a dedication to maximizing resources for the benefit of the municipality.
Several strategic initiatives have been instrumental in driving this revenue growth. The Assembly has prioritized accurate property valuations to ensure appropriate property rate assessments, implemented billing software to optimize payment recovery, ensured timely commission payments to revenue collectors, established a comprehensive revenue database, and provided the Works Department with a vehicle to enhance operational efficiency. These measures demonstrate a concerted effort to modernize revenue collection processes, improve accountability, and incentivize performance.
Furthermore, the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly is actively aligning its local development agenda with national priorities, particularly the government’s flagship initiatives: the 24-Hour Economy and the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP). The MCE briefed Assembly Members on the significance of these programs and outlined the Assembly’s plans to integrate them into local development strategies. This alignment highlights a commitment to contribute to national economic goals while addressing local needs.
The 24-Hour Economy initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance foreign exchange earnings through increased export activity. The Assembly is embracing this initiative by planning a significant redevelopment project. Wood sellers will be relocated to a dedicated industrial park at Boete, paving the way for the construction of a modern, 24-hour market facility. This market will include vehicle parking areas and lorry stations, fostering a vibrant and efficient trading environment that supports businesses around the clock.
The planned relocation of wood sellers and the development of the 24-hour market are part of a broader strategy to revitalize the municipality’s commercial activities. The Assembly intends to construct nine market sheds in phases, along with essential auxiliary facilities like a health center, police station, school, and lorry terminal. These additions will create a comprehensive and secure market environment that caters to the needs of traders and customers alike, fostering economic growth and community development.
The Assembly’s commitment to the Feed Ghana Programme further demonstrates its focus on aligning local development with national priorities. The FGP is a government-led agricultural initiative aimed at transforming the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, reducing reliance on imports, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and boosting domestic production and value addition. The Assembly’s Agriculture Department is actively registering farmers and conducting sensitization campaigns to promote participation in the program, underscoring its dedication to supporting local farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector. By embracing both the 24-Hour Economy and the Feed Ghana Programme, the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly is positioning itself as a key contributor to both local and national economic advancement. The Assembly’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and proactive engagement with national priorities demonstrates its forward-thinking approach to governance and development. The successful revenue mobilization and the ambitious development plans outlined by the MCE underscore the Assembly’s dedication to fostering economic growth, creating opportunities for its citizens, and contributing to the overall prosperity of Ghana. Under the leadership of MCE Hon. William Kofi Adzowu and Presiding Member Hon. Alfred Fosu Donkor, the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly is demonstrating a commitment to effective governance and sustainable development.
