Obuasi, Jan. 11, GNA - Mr John Alexander Ackon, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has expressed confidence in the assembly's ability to generate more revenue from its internal sources for more developmental projects this year.

He said over-reliance on the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF) could stall the development of the area given the number of direct deductions and other mandatory expenditures. Addressing the second anniversary and annual get-together of Star Welfare Club, a social organization at Obuasi, the MCE said shop owners, companies, market women and other business groups operating in the Municipality had been urged to have a positive mindset towards their tax obligations.

"We should have a new focus that we can generate our own funds to embark on capital intensive projects like improving the drainage systems and providing reliable vehicles for the police to improve security," he said. Mr Ackon noted that occupants of most stores and stalls built by the assembly were not paying rent and described this as worrying. He said aside AngloGold Ashanti, there were a number of companies operating in the Municipality and that it was time they collaborated effectively with the assembly to address the development problems of the communities. Mr Francis Sarfo, the Deputy Environmental Services Manager of AngloGold Ashanti, commended the Club for its commitment towards the maintenance of a clean environment.

"Your vision towards the environment including improved sanitation is in line with the company's environment policy," he said. The President of the Club, Michael Atta-Poku, said Star Welfare now has membership strength of 64. He pledged that they would not depart from the club's commitment to clean and healthy environment.