The government is preparing to overhaul property rate collection by eliminating cash payments and introducing a centrally controlled electronic system for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Mahama Ayariga announced the plan at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 5.
He said the new system would allow property owners to make payments electronically through mobile money and bank transfers, while efforts were being made to address inefficiencies and leakages in the existing collection system.
“Our existing property rates regime is plagued by inefficiencies, inconvenience to property owners and outright corruption – where moneys paid end up in private pockets,” Mr Ayariga said.
He said government believed improved service delivery by local authorities would encourage citizens to meet their obligations, reducing the need for aggressive enforcement.
The recalibrated system, he added, was being developed in consultation with the Finance Ministry and development partners.
