Regional News of Sunday, 31 December 2006

Source: GNA

Dormaa District says it will widen the tax net

Dormaa Ahenkro (B/A), Dec. 31, GNA - Dormaa District is determined to adopt a robust approach to revenue mobilization next year. Squadron Leader Benjamin Anane Asamoah (RTD), the District Chief Executive, said this at a press briefing at Dormaa Ahenkro on the assembly's operations this year.

He said the assembly had accordingly put in place pragmatic mechanisms to rope in all taxable persons, goods and services into the tax net.

He said even though the district was the largest in the region, the assembly was able to reach out to all its 400 communities with their varied development programmes and projects.

Squadron Leader Asamoah commended the government for the introduction of the capitation grant, which he said had led to a tremendous increase in enrolment in basic schools and also relieved parents of some of their responsibilities.

He said the pilot school feeding programme, which had taken off in two primary schools in the district, had whipped up more enthusiasm among the pupils.

Other targets of the assembly for next year, the DCE said, include an increase in the percentage coverage of the national health insurance scheme, reduction in youth employment and the promotion of peace and stability.

The assembly also aims at the development of agriculture to ensure food security and the vigorous implementation of its byelaws on bushfires and the environment.

Squadron Leader Asamoah thanked the Dormaa Traditional Council, religious organizations, NGOs and all other development partners for their contributions during the year and appealed for more support in the coming year.