New Edubiase (Ash), Jan. 3, GNA - The Adansi South district assembly has introduced new taxes to widen its tax net and increase revenue mobilisation.

Among the new taxes were rates on bicycles, cattle and other livestock reared within the district.

Dealers in pineapples, mangoes and salt are expected to pay fees on their goods.

These were among decisions taken by the assembly at a meeting to approve its budget for 2006 at New Edubiase. The assembly resolved that mining companies and timber firms operating within the area would pay 10 million cedis, while 'Susu' collectors pay 100,000 cedis annually. Transfer of buildings, plots partly developed and market stores would also attract some fees.

The assembly had also introduced a penalty of two million cedis for developers who violate "stop work order" on their premises and 500,000 cedis on developers who convert residential buildings to commercial buildings without permits.

Mr Jacob Adu, Adansi South District Budget Officer, appealed to the members to assist the assembly to achieve its target revenue. Mr Francis Dorpenyoh, Adansi South District Chief Executive, expressed concern about revenue mobilisation within the district and called for collective efforts to generate more revenue to accelerate development of the area.