Traditional revenue increases in the districts

Cape Coast (Central Region) - The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Captain Nkrabea Effah Darteh on Saturday hinted that there had been considerable increase in traditional revenue since the New Patriotic Party government (NPP) came into power.

He said this was due to the fact that district chief executives introduced transparent and pragmatic measures in revenue collection. Capt. Effah-Darteh was speaking on the theme: "The resurgence of moral decadence in the Ghanaian society," as part of activities marking the second annual national congress of Prempeh College and Yaa Asantewaa Old Students in tertiary institutions also known as Amanfoo- Adehyee Union, at Cape Coast.

He said, compared to the previous government, the district assemblies have initiated more development projects in their areas due to the increase in revenue generation. Capt. Effah-Darteh said though some Shama-Ahanta-West, and Affram Plains districts for instance were previously generating low revenues there had been considerable increase in revenue.

He said if Ghanaians exercised financial discipline, the government would had been in the position to control the economy and the country would had achieved so much within a short time saying, "the country has no cause to be poor."

Capt. Effah Darteh said indiscipline cuts across all facets of life adding that the businessman who evaded tax, the parent who shirked his responsibility, the politician who made libellous and false statements about others and the editor who published false information, contributed to indiscipline.

He warned developers to stop putting up structures without following laid down rules. The deputy minister, advised the students to be time conscious, honest and God fearing so that they excel in their endeavours.

The coordinator of the national union of Amanfoo-Adehyee, Kingsley Gyimah Mensah expressed regret that indecent lifestyles and misconduct had become common in schools, especially tertiary institution.

He appealed to students to desist from immorality since they were expected to make positive impact on the society. The Reverend Father Dawson Amoah, assistant registrar of the University of Cape Coast advised students to be God fearing.