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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched a new digital payment platform designed to streamline the collection of business operating permits, property rates, market tolls, and other levies. The platform, accessible via shortcodes 22233# and 22255#, aims to enhance revenue collection, promote
accountability, and improve service delivery for residents and businesses.
Details of the Initiative
Nobel Atsu Ahadzie, AMA’s Director of Budget, introduced the platform during a Rate Payers’ Training programme held at the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan Council. The training sought to equip stakeholders with the knowledge to access and utilize the system effectively.
The platform enables users to check bills, make payments via mobile money or bank cards, and download receipts and certificates directly from their phones. Ahadzie emphasized the platform’s user-friendly design, making it accessible even to those with basic mobile devices.
Reassurance for Stakeholders
Addressing concerns about potential job losses, Ahadzie assured stakeholders that revenue collectors would not be displaced but reassigned to enforcement and customer education roles. These individuals will support businesses in adopting the digital system and ensure compliance.
The system is also designed to minimize middlemen, reducing opportunities for corruption. Real-time payment tracking further enhances transparency and accountability in the revenue collection process.
Pilot Project Success and Expansion
Following the success of a pilot project in the Ashiedu Keteke sub-metro, the AMA has extended the initiative to the Ablekuma South and Okaikwei South sub-metros. This expansion ensures broader access to the benefits of digitalization across the city.
Support and Reception
Richard Tagoe, the Assembly Member for the Korle Bu Electoral Area and Acting Chairman of the Ablekuma South Sub-Metro, praised the initiative. He described it as a timely solution to curbing revenue losses and leakages caused by corruption.
“This concept is very good and should have been implemented a long time ago, which could have prevented revenue collected ending up in individuals’ pockets,” Tagoe noted.
Tagoe also stressed the importance of enforcement, urging the AMA to maintain strict compliance measures to uphold discipline among ratepayers.
Way Forward
The AMA plans to provide continuous guidance and support for users to ensure inclusivity and widespread adoption of the platform. embracing technology, the assembly hopes to foster a culture of transparency and efficiency, ultimately enhancing its revenue generation capacity.
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