The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has engaged traders on proposed 2027 rates and fees, most of them under review for the first time in five years.

The engagement formed part of the Assembly’s annual Fee Fixing Resolution process, where stakeholders discuss proposed charges and make recommendations before approval.

Traders, transport operators, artisans, landlords, Assembly Members and business owners attended. They are among the contributors to the Assembly’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF).

Participants said they were willing to pay reasonable rates to support Kumasi’s development and offered suggestions on the proposed charges.

Principal Budget Analyst Mr Eric Nunoo presented the list of rateable items and their proposed charges. He disclosed that some new revenue items had been added to the schedule.

He appealed to ratepayers to cooperate with the Assembly, stressing that internally generated revenue is key to financing development and improving service delivery.

The proposals will go to the Revenue Subcommittee and other relevant committees before reaching the General Assembly for final approval.

Presiding Member Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong thanked stakeholders for their contributions and assured them the Assembly would consider their concerns.

He said the interests of both Kumasi residents and the Assembly would be weighed at the General Assembly.

The rates and fees are expected to receive final approval before implementation in 2027.