The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has generated more than GH¢19 million in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) this year, according to the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Ebi Bright.

The figure highlights the Assembly’s efforts to strengthen its internally generated revenue and reduce its reliance on external sources of funding to support development and service delivery within the metropolis.

Speaking on the Assembly’s revenue mobilisation efforts, Ebi Bright said the TMA had been able to generate over GH¢19 million internally during the year.

Internally generated funds are an important source of revenue for metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies across Ghana.

The funds are used to support various activities and services, including sanitation, infrastructure development, maintenance of public facilities and other programmes at the local level.

Revenue mobilisation remains important

For local assemblies, improving IGF collection is critical because it gives them additional resources to respond to the needs of residents.

Assemblies receive funding from central government and other sources, but internally generated revenue provides an avenue for them to raise funds within their jurisdictions.

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly has a large commercial and industrial base, giving it several potential sources of internally generated revenue.

These include business operating permits, property rates, licences, fees and other statutory charges.

Effective revenue collection can therefore play an important role in supporting development activities within the metropolis.

Focus on development

The reported GH¢19 million in internally generated revenue could provide additional financial resources for the Assembly to undertake its responsibilities.

Local authorities are expected to provide a range of services to residents, including sanitation management, local infrastructure, development planning and other community-related services.

The availability of adequate revenue can help assemblies respond to some of these needs more effectively.

However, revenue generation also needs to be accompanied by transparency and proper utilisation of public funds.

Residents and businesses that pay rates, fees and other charges generally expect the money collected to contribute to visible improvements in their communities.

Tema’s economic importance

Tema remains one of Ghana’s major commercial and industrial centres.

The metropolis is home to important businesses, industries, residential communities and economic activities that contribute significantly to the country’s economy.

This economic activity provides the Assembly with opportunities to generate revenue through various approved charges and levies.

At the same time, the large population and economic activity in the area create significant demands for public services.

The Assembly therefore faces the challenge of balancing revenue mobilisation with the need to provide quality services to residents.

Importance of accountability

As assemblies increase their internally generated revenue, accountability becomes an important part of local governance.

Residents and businesses want to know how public funds are collected and how they are ultimately spent.

Transparent financial management can help strengthen public confidence and encourage more people and businesses to meet their statutory obligations.

The Assembly’s reported revenue performance is therefore likely to attract attention as residents assess how the funds will translate into development and improved services.

For now, Ebi Bright says the Tema Metropolitan Assembly has generated more than GH¢19 million internally this year, reflecting its ongoing efforts to strengthen local revenue mobilisation.

The Assembly is expected to continue working to improve revenue collection while using available resources to support development and service delivery across the Tema metropolis.

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Source:Ghana News Page