Bongo District Assembly generates only ₵19 in IGF revenue for four months

The Bongo District Assembly in the Upper East Region has recorded a paltry sum of ₵19 in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for the first four months of the year.

Akaseke Joseph Abaa, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, disclosed in an interview on Bolgatanga-based A1 Radio that the Assembly collected only ₵19.19 as IGF between January and April.

“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.

Abaa, who was dismayed by the figures, attributed the poor performance to the immediate past DCE, Rita Atanga.

He, however, noted that steps are being taken to reverse the trend. According to him, his administration has established a revenue task force, which on its first day of engagement at the local market, mobilised about GH¢2,500.

The DCE also revealed plans to digitise revenue collection to curb leakages and enhance accountability. He said the Assembly will begin a district-wide registration of shops and businesses next week, followed by the introduction of a Mobile Money (MoMo) payment system. Under the new 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 further emphasised that revenue collectors will now work on commission, making their earnings performance-based. This, he stressed, will help strengthen Bongo District’s revenue base and assure citizens that their contributions are being managed transparently.

Source: A1 Radio