The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has taken a significant step towards modernising its revenue collection, with the launch of a Centralised Digital Service and Payment Platform.

This new system allows ratepayers to make payments conveniently from their homes, shops, or any location, marking an important shift from the inefficient manual processes of the past.

The Mayor of Accra, Elisabeth Sackey, expressed excitement about the launch of the new system and its prospects for the AMA’s vision of modernizing markets within its jurisdiction and other development projects.

"When I took office, I discovered that many traders were reluctant to pay revenue because of mistrust in the manual collection process. By going cashless, we address these concerns directly. After piloting and sensitizing the traders, I’m thrilled that they have embraced this idea."

Head of Budget at the AMA, Noble Atsu Ahadzi, underscored the advantages of the new system.

"The manual way of distributing bills and mobilizing revenue was fraught with issues. Partnering with a third party to digitize our processes brings much-needed efficiency. Now, ratepayers can make payments from the comfort of their homes, cutting down on costs and inconveniences," he stated.

He explained that the new system enables real-time monitoring of payments and easy identification of defaulters. "By dialing 222323#, ratepayers can make payments and instantly print receipts and business certificates, eliminating the need to visit AMA offices. This level of convenience and transparency is unprecedented."

Trader Reactions: Convenience and Security

Traders at Okaishie in Accra’s Central Business District, who participated in the pilot phase, praised the platform's convenience. Sylvia Dzoboku of SYLTTEQ remarked, "Previously, we had to wait for bills to be delivered before making payments. Now, we receive messages on our phones, which is far more secure and convenient. We can easily show proof of payment anytime."

Joseph Letsa of Lexter Ghana Limited acknowledged the ease of the new system but suggested an improvement.

"The previous platform was cumbersome. Now, we can make payments from our office. However, there's a limit for cheque payments, which is set at 3,000 cedis. It would be better if this limit were reduced to 1,000 or 2,000 cedis to accommodate more transactions."

Charles Djan, 2nd Vice President of GUTA, hailed the digitization of these payment processes as innovative and strategic.

"In the past, there were doubts about the legitimacy of those issuing receipts and invoices. The new system allows us to pay at our convenience and removes the stress of visiting AMA offices. This is a commendable innovation that should be adopted by assemblies across Ghana."

As part of the platform's rollout, the AMA has been actively engaging with businesses within its jurisdiction, creating awareness and educating traders about the digital revenue system.

This engagement is particularly concentrated on the Business Operating Permit revenue stream, covering areas such as the Okaishie Business area in the central business district.