Battor, North Tongu – 30th September 2025
The North Tongu District Assembly has successfully held a stakeholder consultative meeting on the 2025 Fee-Fixing Resolution, in line with Section 40 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates citizen participation in the activities of District Assemblies and their sub-district structures.
The engagement, which took place across four major towns in the district, brought together a wide range of stakeholders including Assembly Members, Area Council Executives, hotel and guest house operators, market queens, okada and pragya riders, artisans, traders, business owners, banks, and other ratepayers.
The purpose of the meeting was twofold to involve citizens in the fee-fixing process and to enhance public participation in local governance. The District Assembly sought the input of community members, opinion leaders, and business operators in setting and reviewing fees, permits, and licenses. The initiative also aimed to promote transparency and educate participants on how internally generated funds (IGF) are utilized to support development projects within the district.
During the discussions, several concerns and challenges were raised. Some participants expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as uneven distribution of development projects and the perceived lack of fairness in resource allocation. Others called on the Assembly to consider reducing high fees and to ensure that development is spread equitably across all communities.
In the open forum, participants sought clarification on the sources of funds used for development projects. Officials explained the various funding streams available to the Assembly, including IGF, the District Assemblies Common Fund, and support from central government. Residents also appealed for repairs to the road leading to the Aveyime Battor Senior High School, describing its condition as deplorable. One participant suggested that the Assembly adopt a system where annual percentage adjustments are made to business rates rather than applying fixed figures.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing willingness to fulfill their civic responsibilities as ratepayers, provided the Assembly continues to deliver on its mandate of development and accountability.
In total, about 150 people participated in the engagement, which was described as highly successful by both officials and participants.
