The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to issue stickers only to legitimate businesses.

This move aims to promote accountability and eliminate unauthorized charges in the region.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, disclosed this at the inauguration of Spatial Planning Committees and Technical Sub-committees of MMDAs, held at the Prepeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.

Addressing the gathering, he said "assemblies are required to request and verify business registration certificates, licenses, and permits from entities registering equipment, vehicles, or businesses, especially those in mining, quarrying, and sand winning operations".

The directive was prompted by a JoyNews Hotline documentary "A Tax for Galamsey", which highlighted taxing illegal miners in the Amansie Central District.

According to the documentary, the district assembly is taxing equipment used for mining activities irrespective of the legal operation.

Responding to the documentary, the Regional Minister announced a series of regulatory measures to guide Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on the lawful imposition of fees and levies, particularly within mining, quarry, and sand winning communities across the Region.

The Minister emphasized the need for transparency, due process, and strict compliance with the Local Government legal framework to protect businesses while enhancing responsible revenue mobilisation.

He directed that fee fixing by assemblies must strictly comply with Local Government guidelines and approved statutory processes.

Dr. Amoakohene stated that all existing by-laws on fees and levies must be submitted to the RCC for review and validation by February 13, 2026.

He said that revenue mobilisation and task forces are to issue stickers only to legally registered entities, equipment, vehicles, or premises.

Dr. Amoakohene noted that these measures will promote accountability, eliminate unauthorized charges, and create a fair business environment while strengthening internally generated revenue systems.

"Following concerns raised, especially by the media, that some levies have been issued by most of the assemblies, and pending final communication from the President on the JoyNews documentary, the Regional Coordinating Council wants to direct this information to all MMDAs for strict compliance", he said.

He reaffirmed the RCC’s commitment to supporting Assemblies to mobilise revenue lawfully and sustainably in the interest of development across the Ashanti Region.