Tamale aims to collect over GHS 5.7 million in internal revenue for the year 2026. The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has outlined plans for development across key sectors. Mayor Adam Abubakari Takoro made these statements at the Assembly’s town hall meeting on May 10, 2026.
These initiatives focus on improving infrastructure, boosting agriculture, expanding educational opportunities, and creating jobs for young people. The Mayor emphasized efforts to increase transparency and encourage more resident involvement in local governance. This is part of the government’s wider accountability programme.
Tamale is a crucial center in Ghana’s five northern regions. Its location links northern Ghana to markets in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Togo. The metropolis has an estimated population of over 409,000. This makes it a significant economic and administrative hub for the region. The city’s strategic position offers substantial potential for trade and farming.
“Tamale remains the only metropolitan assembly in Ghana’s five northern regions and serves as a commercial and administrative hub,” Mayor Takoro stated. He noted the metropolis’ role as a vital link for businesses across West Africa. The Mayor stressed the importance of leveraging this position for economic growth.
The Assembly faces challenges. These include drug abuse and petty crime. However, collaborations with the Regional Security Council and traditional leaders have helped maintain peace. Police operations have been successful in reducing drug-related activities. This shows a commitment to improving security for residents. The Assembly is also working to improve its tax collection systems. Property rate collection targets are a key focus for the coming months. The plan involves dividing electoral areas into collection zones. This will be supported by public education campaigns before stricter enforcement begins in June 2026. This strategy aims to increase the Assembly’s financial self-sufficiency.
In the first quarter of 2026, the Assembly collected GHS 1.36 million. This represents about 23 percent of its GHS 5.7 million revenue target for the year. The Assembly also received more than GHS 6.2 million from the District Assemblies Common Fund for the final quarter of 2025. Additional funding was allocated for disability programs and MP-led projects. Furthermore, over GHS 8.2 million is expected under the Responsiveness Factor Grant. This grant depends on the Assembly’s 2024 performance.
Development projects are underway in education and health. New classroom blocks are being built in Dalogyili, Gumbihini, and Lamashegu. Schools will also receive desks and chairs. Members of Parliament have supported over 1,800 BECE candidates. Support included extra classes and transport allowances. The Tamale Teaching Hospital has received assistance. This improves healthcare access for northern regions. New CHPS compounds are now complete in Kudula and Dohinayili. These facilities will bring essential health services closer to communities.
Agriculture receives significant attention. The Feed Ghana Programme distributed over 8,300 bags of fertilizer. Another 1,000 bags were supplied through a global food security program. This reached 27 communities. The agriculture department trained 1,000 farmers. Training focused on improved farming techniques. Poultry production is also being boosted. Over 12,000 guinea fowl chicks and 755 cockerels were distributed. Support schemes also include benefits for persons with disabilities.
Market infrastructure is expanding. The Assembly is building 128 market stores through public-private partnerships. A new 24-hour market is also under construction at Kukuo. This project is expected to be finished within 24 months. It will feature stalls, warehouses, cold rooms, a clinic, a police post, and a fire station. This aims to boost local commerce and employment opportunities.
Youth employment is a priority. Over 1,300 young people have found jobs through various Youth Employment Agency modules. These roles are in security services and education. The Ghana Enterprise Agency, Mastercard Foundation, and World Bank are supporting entrepreneurship. Hundreds of people have received training. Additionally, 329 residents learned soap making, guinea fowl rearing, and groundnut processing under a productive safety net project. These efforts highlight a commitment to empowering the youth and fostering economic resilience. The Mayor reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to accountable governance. He urged stakeholders to support the transformation efforts for Tamale.