The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has announced a set of new directives aimed at tightening the regulation of fees, levies, and revenue collection across all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region, with particular focus on mining, quarry, and sand winning communities.
The directives, which are expected to enhance transparency and accountability in local revenue mobilisation, were communicated during a high-level meeting held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.
Speaking on behalf of the RCC, regional authorities emphasized the urgent need for Assemblies to adhere strictly to approved local government procedures in order to protect legitimate businesses while ensuring that revenue generation is carried out responsibly and within the confines of the law.
Ensuring Transparency and Due Process
The RCC noted that revenue mobilisation remains essential for local development, but cautioned that the process must be guided by transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with Ghana’s Local Government legal framework.
According to the Council, unregulated charges, unauthorized levies, and improper enforcement practices in some districts risk undermining investor confidence and placing undue burden on lawful operators, particularly in extractive industry zones.
The RCC stressed that Assemblies must apply due process in the imposition of fees and levies, especially in areas where mining, quarrying, and sand winning activities are prominent.
Key Directives to All Assemblies
As part of efforts to strengthen oversight and eliminate irregularities, the RCC issued four major directives to all MMDAs across the Ashanti Region.
1. Fee Fixing Must Follow Approved Procedures
The Council directed that all fee fixing exercises must strictly comply with approved Local Government guidelines and statutory procedures.
Assemblies have been warned against arbitrary or unapproved fee structures, and reminded that all levies must be legally sanctioned before implementation.
2. Submission of Existing By-Laws for Validation
In a move to ensure consistency and legality, the RCC instructed that all existing by-laws governing fees and levies must be submitted to the Regional Coordinating Council for review and validation.
This measure is expected to harmonize local revenue systems and prevent the enforcement of outdated or unauthorized regulations.
3. Stickers to Be Issued Only to Legally Registered Entities
Revenue task forces operating under the Assemblies have also been cautioned to issue operational stickers only to legally registered businesses, equipment, vehicles, or premises.
The RCC noted that sticker enforcement has, in some cases, been misapplied, leading to confusion and allegations of unfair targeting.
The new directive aims to ensure that only compliant entities are recognized under Assembly revenue systems.
4. Mandatory Verification of Licenses and Permits
Assemblies have further been instructed to verify all business registration certificates, licenses, and permits before registering any equipment or operations.
This requirement is to be enforced with particular attention to mining, quarry, and sand winning activities, which often involve heavy machinery and significant environmental impact.
The RCC stated that proper verification will help prevent illegal operations and ensure that only authorized businesses benefit from Assembly recognition.
Promoting Accountability and Fair Business Practices
The RCC believes that these measures will promote accountability, eliminate unauthorized charges, and create a more predictable and fair business environment across the region.
By enforcing lawful revenue practices, Assemblies will be better positioned to mobilise funds sustainably while maintaining trust with businesses and communities.
The Council reiterated that local revenue mobilisation must not become a tool for harassment or exploitation, but rather a structured mechanism to support development projects and service delivery.
Commitment to Sustainable Regional Development
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Assemblies in mobilising revenue lawfully and efficiently to accelerate development across the region.
The RCC noted that improved revenue governance will contribute directly to infrastructure growth, community development, and better public services, especially in resource-rich districts where extractive activities place additional demands on local systems.
As Assemblies begin implementing these directives, stakeholders in mining, quarrying, and sand winning communities are expected to benefit from a more transparent regulatory framework that balances revenue generation with fairness and legal compliance.
The RCC concluded by urging all MMDAs to cooperate fully with the directives in the collective interest of accountable governance and sustainable development in the Ashanti Region.
