Business News of Saturday, 30 March 2013

Source: Joy Online

Assemblies charged to intensify revenue generation

Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo and Deputy Trade and Industry Minister designate, Nii Lante Vanderpuye says local assemblies must redouble their efforts in raising their own revenues.

He said there is the need to hasten plans in naming streets and registering properties across the country.

That he said is a surest way to raise more revenue for development in the various assemblies.

His call follows a directive by President John Mahama for the assemblies to name all streets within 18 months.

The president gave the directive at the launch of the new urban policy and action plan.

Speaking on Multi-TV's AM show the Odododiodioo MP said the street naming and company registration effort will no doubt increase the revenue base of the local assemblies.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye observed that thousands of properties in the metropolis have not been registered and this prevents them from paying property rate.

According to him, when assemblies are able to effectively generate their own revenue, they will depend less on funds from the Consolidated Fund.

But CEO of the Consumer Protection Agency, Kofi Kapito who was also on the show doubts if the 18 months target can be achieved.

According to him, because of the partisan political orientation of the assemblies, the President may become lenient when they fail to meet the target.

He however charged President Mahama to boldly fire all MCEs and DCEs who fail to accomplish the task.