The Krowor Municipal Assembly has firmly denied social media reports suggesting property owners aged 70 and above are exempt from paying property rates. The Assembly labelled the circulating information as false and misleading, directly challenging a common misconception.
This clarification addresses the incorrect referencing of the repealed Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462). The Assembly specified that current regulations fall under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). Under Act 936, Section 149(2) grants exemptions only for the “basic rate,” not for property rates.
This distinction is crucial for local government revenue collection. Property rates constitute a significant income source for assemblies, funding vital public services and infrastructure projects. Misinformation about exemptions could undermine the financial stability of municipal operations across Ghana.
The Krowor Municipal Assembly issued a public notice to correct these inaccuracies. It stated that individuals under 18 years and those above 70 years are indeed exempt from paying the basic rate. However, there is no legal provision in Act 936 that exempts property owners from property rates based on age.
All eligible property owners, regardless of their age, remain legally obligated to pay property rates. The Assembly urged residents, property owners, and businesses within the municipality to disregard the false information. It stressed the importance of complying with statutory obligations to ensure continued development.
The assembly relies on these revenues to deliver essential services. These services include waste management, road maintenance, and local development initiatives. Non-compliance due to misinformation could severely affect municipal service delivery.
This announcement highlights the ongoing challenges local authorities face with public awareness and compliance regarding property taxation. Ensuring accurate information dissemination is critical for effective revenue mobilisation. Property rates are a cornerstone of decentralized development in Ghana, enabling assemblies to address local needs directly.
Local assemblies nationwide depend on predictable property rate collection to finance their annual budgets. Any widespread belief in exemptions would create substantial budget deficits, impacting developmental projects. The Krowor Assembly's proactive stance is a model for other municipalities facing similar issues.
The Krowor Municipal Assembly extended its gratitude to residents for their continued cooperation and support. This cooperation is vital in revenue mobilisation efforts aimed at improving service delivery and development within the municipality. Adherence to these tax obligations ensures consistent funding for community improvements.