By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Akatsi South Municipal Assembly in the Volta Region has concluded an eight-day stakeholders’ consultation session on its Fee Fixing Resolution (FFR) for the year ending 31st December, 2025.
The Fee Fixing Resolution (FFR) is the Assemblies’ reference document for revenue collection and it is similar to the government’s revenue bills. It spells out the charges, fees and rates fixed and imposed by the Assembly. Assemblies are barred from collecting revenue on any item that’s not in their fee fixing because it is illegal to do – there will be no legal basis to do so. When the FFR is approved by the General Assembly, it is published in the national gazette and it becomes law (Bye-Law).
In his remarks, the MCE for the Area, Martin Kofitsey Nyahe, noted that the Assembly has been engaging key stakeholders on programmes and activities over the years but each time, “we have sought to improve upon that of the previous year. I am particularly happy that this year we have segmented the interactions to reflect the various trade and business interests in a manner that ensures efficiency and transparency”.
According to him, the eight days have successfully discussed issues affecting business operations and that of the Assembly, with each day devoted to discussing specific areas of concern. He underscores the importance the Assembly attaches to the views and opinions of the public in the delivery of its mandate, “we have also given an account of what the Assembly has done with the revenue raised from you and we promised to work closely with you in fixing mutually beneficial fees and charges for the 2025 financial year”.
Philomena A. A. Atimu, Chairperson of F&A Sub-Committee was excited to have supervised the preparation of three annual budgets with this being her fourth, “even though on each of the three occasions we have sought the views of the public at different levels, none of them has been as engaging and participatory as this one”. She added that during their next budget preparation cycle, they will ensure further improvement of the process to include as many more people as possible.
The Municipal Budget Analyst, Bismark Kofi Kuyole on his part said he hoped the interactions would enhance the bond between the Assembly and its stakeholders, particularly the business community. He told the gathering that the Assembly’s doors are open to the public and anyone having any doubts should come and get the issue(s) clarified rather than feeding on a rumour mill.
The participation entities include: Service/filling stations, Financial institutions, Tourism Facility operators and pharmaceutical companies, the rest are: Artisans, Transport Unions, Market women and Lotto operators.
