AMA Revenue Mobilization Exercise 2025: Accra’s Major Drive Starts November 10 – What Businesses and Property Owners Need to Know

Introduction

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is launching a comprehensive revenue mobilization exercise on Monday, November 10, 2025, aimed at recovering all outstanding revenues for the 2025 fiscal year. This initiative targets businesses, property owners, and outdoor advertisers operating within Accra to ensure financial stability and service delivery. Announced via an official statement signed by AMA’s Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the exercise underscores the assembly’s commitment to bolstering internally generated funds (IGF) essential for urban development.

Why This Matters for Accra Residents and Businesses

In Ghana’s local government system, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) like the AMA rely heavily on IGF to supplement central government transfers. This AMA revenue collection drive will focus on reconciling bills for Business Operating Permits, Property Rates, and Outdoor Advertising Fees, directly funding critical services such as sanitation, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety. Staying informed helps ratepayers avoid penalties and contribute to Accra’s growth.

Analysis

The Accra revenue mobilization 2025 exercise represents a strategic response to fiscal challenges faced by urban assemblies. By deploying the Revenue Mobilisation Task Force to business premises, properties, and advertising sites, the AMA aims to close revenue gaps efficiently. This approach is data-driven, emphasizing verification of receipts and on-site reconciliations.

Scope and Targets of the Exercise

The task force will systematically visit locations across Accra, requiring ratepayers to present valid receipts. Non-compliance risks penalties, with no excuses accepted from defaulters or their representatives. Absent owners are advised to authorize caretakers with documentation. Additionally, unauthorized outdoor advertisements face immediate removal, with costs surcharged to violators.

Economic Context in Ghana’s MMDAs

Revenue mobilization is a cornerstone of Ghana’s decentralized governance under the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936). MMDAs generate IGF through property rates (up to 10% of annual value), business permits, and fees. In 2024, AMA’s IGF contributed significantly to projects like waste management, highlighting the exercise’s role in sustainable funding.

Summary

Starting November 10, 2025, the AMA’s large-scale revenue mobilization drive will enforce collection of 2025 fiscal year dues. The Revenue Mobilisation Task Force will conduct verifications citywide, promoting cooperation for enhanced services. Defaulters face strict measures, including billboard removals and surcharges, while compliant ratepayers support Accra’s infrastructure and sanitation.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Preparing for the AMA revenue recovery exercise ensures smooth compliance. Follow these step-by-step guidelines to avoid disruptions.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Businesses and Property Owners

1. Gather Documents: Locate receipts for Business Operating Permits, Property Rates, and Outdoor Advertising Fees from the 2025 fiscal year.
2. Reconcile Bills: Review statements from AMA’s revenue department; pay any discrepancies via approved channels like banks or mobile money.
3. Authorize Representatives: If absent on task force visit days, provide caretakers with signed authorization and copies of receipts.
4. Check Advertising Permits: Verify all billboards and signs have valid AMA approvals to evade removal costs.
5. Visit AMA Office: Proactively reconcile at the Head Office with the Metro Director of Finance.

Payment Methods and Timelines

Payments can be made at designated AMA revenue points, banks, or digital platforms. Early settlement before November 10 prevents interest accruals, as per standard MMDA practices.

Points of Caution

While the exercise promotes fiscal responsibility, ratepayers must heed these warnings to mitigate risks.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• No Excuses Policy: Task force will not entertain delays; prepare in advance.
• Illegal Ads: Unauthorized structures will be dismantled, with removal fees (often 2-5 times permit costs) billed to owners.
• Fraud Risks: Deal only with official task force members bearing AMA ID; report imposters to authorities.
• Penalties: Late payments may incur 1.5% monthly interest under Local Government regulations.

Comparison

The 2025 AMA exercise aligns with past MMDAs’ efforts but scales up for broader coverage.

Versus Previous AMA Drives

Historical data from Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government shows such drives recover 20-30% of arrears annually, enhancing service delivery.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s legal framework governs the MMDA revenue mobilization under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and Revenue Administration Act. Key implications include:

Compliance Requirements and Penalties

• Mandatory Cooperation: Section 124 mandates ratepayer assistance; refusal invites fines up to GHS 500 or court summons.
• Surcharges for Ads: Illegal billboards under AMA Bye-Laws attract removal costs plus 100% penalties.
• Interest on Arrears: 1.5% per month on unpaid rates (Property Rates Act).
• Enforcement Powers: Task force can seal premises for gross defaulters, per court orders.

These measures ensure accountability without infringing rights, as verified by judicial precedents in MMDA cases.

Conclusion

The AMA’s revenue mobilization exercise starting November 10, 2025, is a pivotal step toward financial self-reliance, enabling vital services for Accra’s over 2 million residents. By cooperating, businesses and property owners not only avoid penalties but actively invest in the city’s future. Proactive preparation and compliance will minimize disruptions, fostering a cleaner, safer Accra. Monitor official AMA channels for updates and contribute to this collective effort.

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