AMA Engages Businesses to Build Consensus On 2027 Fee Structure
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has secured a provisional agreement with businesses in the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District on a proposed 25 per cent increase in Business Operating Permit (BOP) fees for 2027, following stakeholder consultations to ensure a fair and transparent fee-setting process.
The agreement was reached during a consultative meeting on the Assembly’s proposed 2027 Fee-Fixing Resolution, held as part of the statutory process to determine rates, fees, licences and charges for the next financial year.
Addressing participants, the Head of Budget at the AMA, Mr Noble Atsu, explained that the Assembly had reduced its initial proposal of a 60 per cent increase to 25 per cent after engaging stakeholders, demonstrating its commitment to balancing the Assembly’s revenue needs with the concerns of the business community.
He noted that similar consultations would be held in the Ablekuma South and Ashiedu Keteke sub-metropolitan districts before the Assembly takes a final decision on the fee structure.
Mr Atsu explained that the proposed adjustment aligns with the Ministry of Local Government’s Fee-Fixing Guidelines for the 2026–2029 period and follows several years without an increase in Business Operating Permit fees.
He said revenue generated from the fees supports the delivery of essential municipal services, including sanitation interventions and the acquisition of refuse compactor trucks to improve waste management across the metropolis.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for business operators to seek clarification on suitability certificates and fumigation charges, with Assembly officials explaining the basis for the fees and responding to concerns raised by participants.
The Okaikoi South Sub-Metro Director, Mrs Mercy Odoi, also reminded owners of branded commercial and private vehicles, including motorcycles and tricycles, to obtain their annual branding permits between January 2 and March 31.
Participants welcomed the consultative approach, expressing confidence that ongoing engagements across the remaining sub-metropolitan districts would help the Assembly develop an equitable and broadly acceptable fee structure for implementation from 2027.
Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson-ISD
