Kadjebi District Assembly falls short in revenue mobilisation

The Kadjebi District Assembly in the Volta Region is struggling to undertake social projects as it is unable to meet its internally generated fund targets.

The district is known for the production of varied food crops, however, the assembly is unable to mobilize enough revenue from the numerous vibrant market centres, business entities and residents.

As at the end of August 2018, the assembly was only able to accrued GHC56,050 out of the GhC386,090 targeted for the year.

The District Chief Executive, Maxwell Asiedu, lamented the development has crippled the assembly’s ability to deliver on its responsibilities and undertake projects.

“I wish to indicate that one of the reasons for the low collection of revenue is largely due to ineffective functioning of the Area and Town Councils of the assembly”, he said when addressing the General Assembly Meeting on Thursday.

He, however, implored assembly members to revive the Town and Area Councils and ensure they deliver their mandated responsibilities, including revenue mobilization.

“If there are problems, the assembly members should bring them to the attention of my office for immediate solution”, he added.

Mr Asiedu also noted that among other things, the assembly has established 4 groups to supervise and implement some mechanisms aimed at helping increase revenue mobilization in the district.

“The assembly is unable to generate enough funds internally because it has failed to go to the people. But now we have strategized and will send officials to the field to collect taxes and levies, especially property rate. We are optimistic the assembly will get a substantial amount by the end of the year."

Indebtedness

Mr Asiedu further indicated that his predecessor left a debt of GhC2.3mln, out of which his administration has managed to pay off 90%.

This, he said placed the assembly in a difficult position to undertake new projects, adding that though the assembly wishes to meet the development demands of the district, it is being careful not to incur extra debt.

“We will only award contracts when we receive our common fund or when funds are available, I am doing so to ensure I don’t leave debt behind for my successor”, he explained.