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Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region to submit their gazetted fees and levies to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) for review.
The directive is intended to ensure that taxes and levies imposed by the assemblies — particularly those related to mining operations — comply with the Local Government Act.
The move follows reports that some MMDAs have been collecting taxes and levies on equipment and tools used in illegal mining activities within the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Special Planning Committee and Technical Sub-Committees of the MMDAs in Kumasi, Dr. Amoakohene stressed that all fees, taxes, and levies charged by assemblies must strictly adhere to laid-down guidelines governing land use and related activities under the law.
He emphasised that MMDAs must comply fully with existing by-laws on fee-fixing until new directives are issued by the Presidency.
The Regional Minister further urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure that individuals and companies engaged in mining, sand winning, and quarrying secure the required business certificates and permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
He cautioned against the premature collection of levies from enterprises operating without proper authorisation, warning that such activities pose environmental risks.
Dr. Amoakohene also encouraged members of the newly inaugurated town planning committees to work diligently toward the development of the Ashanti Region. He advised them to assess flood-prone areas carefully before issuing building permits and warned developers against acquiring land in such areas, noting that unauthorised structures could be demolished by authorities.
