The District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South West in the Ashanti Region , Hon. Abubakar Sedik, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serving both Mother Ghana and the people of his district, following the issuance of new directives by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) aimed at strengthening lawful revenue mobilisation across the region.
Hon. Sedik made this pledge during a high-level meeting held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, where the RCC announced key measures to tighten the regulation of fees, levies, and revenue collection among all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), with particular focus on mining, quarry, and sand winning communities.
Speaking to the Punch after the event, the DCE expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the President of the Republic and promised to work diligently to uphold the principles of accountability, fairness, and lawful governance.
“I am committed to serving Mother Ghana and the good people of Ahafo Ano South West with integrity and dedication,” Hon. Sedik stated.
“I humbly ask for God’s strength, wisdom, and protection as I carry out the responsibilities entrusted to me by the President of the land.”
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council emphasized that while revenue mobilisation remains critical for local development, it must be pursued within the framework of Ghana’s Local Government laws.
Regional authorities cautioned that unregulated charges, unauthorized levies, and improper enforcement practices in some districts threaten investor confidence and impose undue burdens on legitimate operators, particularly in extractive industry zones.
The RCC therefore urged all Assemblies to ensure transparency, due process, and strict compliance in the imposition of fees and levies.
Key Directives Issued to All MMDAs
To eliminate irregularities and strengthen oversight, the RCC issued four major directives to all Assemblies across the Ashanti Region:
1. Fee Fixing Must Follow Approved Procedures
All Assemblies have been directed to ensure that fee fixing exercises strictly comply with approved Local Government guidelines and statutory procedures. Arbitrary and unapproved fee structures will no longer be tolerated.
2. Submission of Existing By-Laws for Validation
The RCC instructed that all existing by-laws governing fees and levies must be submitted for review and validation. This measure is expected to harmonize revenue systems and prevent the enforcement of outdated or unauthorized regulations.
3. Stickers Only for Legally Registered Entities
Revenue task forces have been cautioned to issue operational stickers only to legally registered businesses, vehicles, equipment, or premises, to prevent confusion and unfair targeting.
4. Mandatory Verification of Licenses and Permits
Assemblies are required to verify all business registration certificates, licenses, and permits before recognizing or registering any equipment or operations, especially within mining, quarry, and sand winning sectors.
Hon. Sedik Commends RCC and Assures Compliance
Hon. Abubakar Sedik welcomed the RCC’s directives, describing them as timely interventions that will promote fairness, protect legitimate businesses, and ensure responsible revenue mobilisation.
He assured stakeholders that the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly will fully comply with the new measures and work to create a transparent and investor-friendly environment that supports sustainable development.
Commitment to Sustainable Development in Ahafo Ano South West
The RCC reiterated that improved revenue governance will contribute directly to infrastructure growth, community development, and better public services, especially in resource-rich districts where extractive activities increase pressure on local systems.
Hon. Sedik concluded by calling on all stakeholders, traditional leaders, and Assembly staff to cooperate fully in implementing the directives for the collective good of the district and the Ashanti Region at large.
“With God’s guidance and the support of our people, we will deliver on the development mandate given to us,” he affirmed.
