STMA Loses Revenue As New Market Traders Refuse To Pay Levies – MCE
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) is grappling with a significant decline in its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) as traders at the New Market continue to boycott the payment of market tolls and levies.
According to the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Lawyer F.F. Faaidoo, traders who were relocated to the New Market over a year ago have persistently refused to fulfill their financial obligations to the Assembly, citing poor sales and low patronage.
“These traders say they are not making any sales because most customers prefer to go to the Jubilee Park area, where other traders are still operating,” the Mayor revealed during the Assembly’s General Meeting.
“So they’ve decided they won’t pay any tolls or levies until all traders are relocated and the market operates as one unified center.”
He emphasized the severe impact the situation is having on the Assembly’s revenue mobilization efforts.
“For over a year now, we have not received any meaningful revenue from the New Market. This is a very serious matter.
We cannot continue to have this situation hanging around our neck,” he stated.
Prior to the relocation, the Takoradi Market Circle was a major contributor to the Assembly’s IGF.
However, the current standoff has created a revenue vacuum, affecting the Assembly’s ability to fund its operations and carry out development projects.
The MCE further stated that the Assembly will soon resume the collection of rent and toll levies at the New Market.
He warned that any trader who fails to comply risks forfeiting their tenancy or facing legal action.
Hon. Lawyer F.F. Faaidoo
Story by Nana Fynn@W/R.
