The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kassena-Nankana West District, Stephen Aeke Akurugo, has intensified efforts to boost internally generated funds (IGF) with a stakeholder engagement at Paga, the district’s capital.
The engagement, which forms part of a district-wide revenue mobilisation campaign, brought together traders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to improve revenue collection and address development challenges.
Mr. Akurugo explained that the initiative is aimed at correcting negative perceptions about the district’s revenue potential, particularly given its status as a border community.
“There is this perception that because we are a border district, there is a lot of money. Yes, there is money, but the issue is whether those collecting it are bringing it in. The data we have is not encouraging,” he said.
He noted that the engagement exercise has already been held in several communities, including Kayoro, Chiana, Nakong, Katiu, Sirigu, Mirigu, Nabango, and Kandiga, with positive responses from traditional authorities and assembly members.
According to the DCE, the district is targeting to increase its IGF from GH¢850,000 in 2025 to GH¢2 million in 2026, a goal he admits may be difficult to achieve without reforms in revenue collection.
To address the situation, he encouraged traders to demand official tickets after paying market tolls, stressing that failure to do so undermines accountability. He further disclosed plans to organise revenue collectors, provide them with uniforms, and introduce a new system to enhance efficiency.
“If we can raise enough revenue, we can complement government support and address key challenges such as water supply, sanitation, and other basic amenities,” he added.
During the engagement, traders at the Paga Market expressed appreciation for the DCE’s visit and outlined pressing concerns affecting their operations.
A representative of the Paga Market Traders Association, Samitu Mohammed Kumoriwo, highlighted issues including overcrowding, lack of toilet facilities, poor access roads, absence of waste disposal sites, and inadequate lighting.
She commended the DCE for responding promptly, noting that he has already facilitated the provision of 22 streetlights for the market and promised to address sanitation and waste management challenges.
The traders also welcomed plans for a proposed 24-hour economy market, which is expected to be constructed at Nania. The facility will include shops, storage spaces, a police post, a fire station, a pharmacy, a crèche, and other essential services.
“We are ready to pay our levies if the revenue will be used to develop our market and improve our conditions,” she said.
Secretary of the Paga Youth Movement, Mandela Kassim Mubashir also lauded the DCE for engaging the community and raising key development concerns, including road conditions, water supply, sanitation, and security issues.
The youth group further called for the completion of the Agenda 111 hospital project in the area and urged authorities to ensure proper management of health facilities.
Mr. Akurugo assured stakeholders of his commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that community engagement is critical to driving development.
He reiterated that improving revenue mobilisation remains central to the district’s development agenda, adding that collective responsibility is needed to ensure sustainable progress.
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