By Emmanuel Gamson
Sekondi (W/R), April 22, GNA – Mr Frederick F. Faidoo, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has disclosed that the Assembly generated a total of GHC3,665,943.34 in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for the first quarter of this year.
He said the amount represented an 18 per cent performance against an annual target of GHC20,746,251.85.
He said this during the First Ordinary Meeting of the Third Session of the Ninth Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), held at Sekondi.
The meeting provided a platform for members to assess the progress made, identify and consolidate achievements, critically examine the challenges confronting the Assembly, and adopt practical measures to address them.
According to the MCE, revenue from Rates amounted to GHC1,378,130.63, representing 19 per cent of the annual estimate, while Land and Concessions yielded GH¢461,001.51, also representing 18 per cent.
Mr Faidoo stated that Fees and Fines recorded GHC681,449.12, Licenses generated GHC934,796.08 and rent contributed GHC210,566.00.
He noted that although the performance recorded within the first quarter was encouraging, there remained considerable room for improvement.
He called on assembly members to intensify their revenue mobilisation efforts, strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, broaden the tax net, and ensure strict compliance among ratepayers and other stakeholders.
The MCE said with respect to transfers from central government and other funding sources, the Assembly received a total of GHC9,707, 460.09 out of an expected GH¢87,653,866.00, representing 11 per cent of the annual estimate.
Mr Faidoo, however, said no releases had been received as at the end of the first quarter with respect of the Assembly’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund, the Responsive Factor Grant, and other donors, and goods and services allocations.
On expenditure, he noted that the Assembly spent GHC3,379,355.66 from its IGF, representing 11 per cent of the approved IGF budget.
Giving a breakdown of the amount spent, the MCE GHC151,868.34 was spent on Compensation of Employees, GHC3,176,582.53 on Goods and Services, and GHC50,904.79 on Assets.
Mr Faidoo explained that expenditure from the central government funds stood at GHC11,368,483.05, representing 15 per cent of the approved annual budget.
He gave the assurance that the Assembly would continue to exercise prudence, discipline, and transparency in the management of public resources to ensure value for money in the implementation of programmes and projects for the people of Sekondi-Takoradi.
On security, he reported that the Metropolis continued to enjoy a peaceful and stable environment.
He said although there were isolated disputes and security concerns from time to time, the timely intervention, professionalism, and vigilance from the security agencies had ensured that such incidents were effectively managed before they escalated.
On education, the MCE stated that Assembly sponsored the Metro Education Directorate to organise a mock examination for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates.
Mr Faidoo said the exercise was designed to adequately expose candidates to the standards and demands of external examinations, particularly in line with WAEC procedures and expectations.
Touching on agriculture, he said a total of 400 individuals, 50 groups comprising 700 persons, and 10 institutions had so far registered to benefit from the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme within the municipality.
On health, the MCE stated that five healthcare facilities had been accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority to provide NHIS services to clients.
He said the Assembly was also constructing two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds at Kansaworodo and Eshiem, which he added were currently at roofing stages.
Mr Faidoo touched on other areas including roads, waste management, disaster management measures, social welfare issues, and the state of some ongoing projects among others, and said they would continue to discharge their duties to improve upon the living standards of the people.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Linda Asante Agyei