“Takoradi Mall, others haven’t paid their property rate for the whole year”

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA), Mr Kojo Acquah has made some revelations concerning organisations in the municipality that are yet to pay their property rate in 2021.

According to him, property rate is essential for revenue generation and development but some organisations in the municipality are trying their possible best to avoid it.

Speaking on Skyy Power 93.5FM on Wednesday, December 8, he indicated that most companies do not pay their property rate and is worrying.

he made mention of the Takoradi Mall being a prime defaulter of the property rate which he indicated that they are trying everything in their power to avoid paying the rate.

He said, “We can’t embark on developmental projects because our revenue target for the year will not be up to expectation.

“We send bills early in the year to organisations that are supposed to pay their property rates and other taxes inclusive.”

“After the bills are sent, we will send a reminder in addition just to remind them, Takoradi Mall called us for a meeting after a reminder was sent asking for a reduction on the bill due to the effect COVID-19 has had on business.”

“We agreed and reduced it by 30 per cent, and promised they will pay in November 2021, as we were expecting the payment, they sent another letter, this time, not to us, but to the Regional Minister concerning the closure of the PTC Roundabout.”

“According to the letter, the Takoradi Mall has had information that the PTC Roundabout, which is a major route for their customers will be closed to traffic, and according to that, they may not generate enough revenue for the property rate which they called for another meeting but have not heard from them up to date.”

Mr Acquah then went further to ask if this attitude with organisations in the municipality towards the payment of property rate continues, how will there be enough revenue for development.

However, he is entreating any organisation that is yet to pay their property rate to do the needful before they take drastic actions.