The Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, has disclosed that the Assembly is facing serious revenue challenges following the creation of new metropolitan and municipal assemblies.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Ofori-Agyemang Boadi explained that the restructuring has deprived KMA of several key revenue-generating areas, placing significant financial strain on the Assembly.
According to him, a number of major industries that previously fell under KMA’s jurisdiction are now located within the Asokwa Municipal Assembly, resulting in the loss of income from property rates and business operating permits.
He further noted that the Suame Magazine enclave, once considered one of KMA’s strongest potential revenue sources, now contributes to the Suame Municipal Assembly. In addition, the Kejetia area and the Central Market no longer generate the level of revenue they once did for KMA.
“As it stands now, it is only Racecourse that remains the strength of KMA when it comes to revenue mobilisation and property rates,” he said.
The MCE admitted that revenue mobilisation continues to be a major challenge, particularly due to leakages associated with manual collection systems.
“When revenue collection is done manually, a lot of the monies end up in people’s private pockets,” he stated.
To address the situation, Mr Ofori-Agyemang Boadi said the Assembly is moving towards digitising its revenue collection processes to reduce human interference and curb losses. He added that some revenue leakages have already been identified and blocked.
He also disclosed that he is in discussions with the Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to explore possible financial support and solutions to help stabilise KMA’s revenue situation.
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