The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Akaseke Joseph Abaa, has expressed shock over what he described as the extremely poor Internally Generated Fund (IGF) performance under his predecessor, Rita Atanga.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Abaa revealed that between January and April, the Assembly mobilized only GH¢19.19 as IGF.
“And it says to me that from January to April, the IGF, if I mention it here, you will cry for Bongo District. Nineteen Ghana cedis. From January to April, 19 Ghana cedis,” he lamented.
Determined to reverse the trend, the DCE immediately instituted a task force to monitor revenue collection in local markets. This, he said, yielded encouraging results, with about GH¢2,500 mobilized on the very first day.
However, revenue collectors failed to sustain the momentum, forcing him to terminate their appointments and recruit new collectors on a probation basis.
Mr. Abaa further disclosed plans to digitize revenue collection to curb leakages and promote accountability. According to him, a district-wide registration of shops and businesses will commence next week, followed by the introduction of a Mobile Money (MoMo) system. Business operators will be required to pay levies directly into a MoMo account registered in the Assembly’s name.
“At the end of the month, if you are paying one, two, or four cedis, you pay directly to that MoMo line. That will reduce leakages because nobody will come and say you paid two cedis but gave me one cedi without a receipt,” he explained.
He emphasized that collectors will now work on commission, ensuring their earnings depend on performance. The initiative, he stressed, will help Bongo District strengthen its revenue base and assure citizens that their money is being used transparently.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
