Mahama Ayariga: Contraflow system to stay until better mobility solutions emerge

The government is set to launch a digital property rate collection system in an effort to increase revenue for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, according to Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga. Ayariga announced the reforms during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5.

The new system aims to integrate property rate collection with mobile money and consolidate spatial and property data from national institutions, which will bolster revenue generation. Ayariga emphasized that the reform seeks to capture all statutory property rates while minimizing partial payments and eliminating unnecessary intermediaries.

He stated that digital systems will enhance transparency and ensure the State captures the full statutory rates due. Furthermore, a significant portion of the generated revenue will be reinvested in local infrastructure, such as roads, streetlights, pavements, and drains. Ayariga believes that these reforms will ultimately strengthen municipal financing mechanisms, potentially paving the way for municipal bonds where appropriate.