Accountability is a constitutional requirement - NGO

He said MMDAs which fail to do so breaches the constitution and commit an offence under the Local Government Act 462.

Mr Ahenu was speaking at a tax education organised by GLOMEF, an anti corruption and human right non-governmental organisation (NGO) in collaboration Gift FM, a Dormaa-Ahenkro based radio station at a forum at Aboabo Number One, Aboabo Number Two and Manteware in the Dormaa Municipality.

Star-Ghana, an NGO is sponsoring GLOMEF and Gift FM to undertake a 14 month project dubbed: Local fm and civil society organisations promoting revenue management and its utilisation for development.

The overall objective of the 50,000 dollar project, being implemented in 15 communities in the Dormaa Municipality is enhancing transparency and responsiveness in the management and utilisation of Internally Generated Fund of the Assembly for development.

Mr Ahenu explained that the constitution places the sovereignty of the nation on the citizens, adding that Ghanaians should hold the MMDAs accountable in the utilisation of funds.

He noted that when there is transparency and accountability in the use of funds at the various MMDAs as well as equitable distribution of development projects in the communities, it would be easier for the assemblies to collect taxes from the people.

Mr Ahenu said a survey conducted by the NGO in the municipality showed that tax payers remain reluctant to pay because they do not see what the monies collected are used for.

He however observed that it is a serious offence to evade tax and asked the people to pay their revenue promptly and regularly for the Assembly to generate enough resources required for development.

Nana Oppong Baah, Chief of Aboabo Number One observed that the unit committee in the area has collapsed and needed to be restored.

He claimed that the community has not benefited from any project even though it has officially written proposal to the assembly for a toilet facility.

Mrs Millicent Danso, Assistant Budget Analyse at the Dormaa Municipal Assembly advised assembles members to ensure that the needs of their constituents are captured in the Assemblys long term development plan.

GNA