AMA to Launch Major Revenue Crackdown on June 22; Defaulting Businesses and Properties Face Shutdowns

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is set to initiate a massive revenue enforcement exercise starting June 22, 2026, targeting business owners and property holders with outstanding municipal debts. The operation is designed to recover substantial arrears in Business Operating Permits (BOP), property rates, outdoor advertising fees, and rent. According to official statements, the exercise aims to strengthen revenue mobilization and ensure strict adherence to local governance regulations, with the assembly warning that non-compliant premises will be locked and temporarily shut down until all dues are fully settled.

A specialized Revenue Mobilization Task Force has been deployed to conduct unannounced inspections across the city. Business owners and property managers are required to present valid receipts of payment to the task force to avoid immediate penalties. The AMA has signaled a zero-tolerance approach, indicating that persistent defaulters could face legal action under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and associated assembly by-laws. Such legal repercussions may include prosecution, which could lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment for those found in violation of their fiscal responsibilities.

To streamline the payment process and address previous financial inconsistencies, the AMA has partnered with the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). The assembly has also introduced digital payment options to facilitate easier compliance; property rates can be paid via the shortcode *22255#, while Business Operating Permit fees can be settled through *22233#. These technological interventions are expected to enhance transparency and reduce the manual bottlenecks that have historically plagued revenue collection in the capital.

Assembly officials have emphasized that the collected revenue is vital for the development and maintenance of the city's infrastructure and essential public services. These funds directly support sanitation projects, healthcare programs, and infrastructure development intended to improve the lives of residents. The AMA is urging all commercial entities and property owners to cooperate with the task force and settle their balances promptly to avoid business disruptions and contribute to the assembly's goal of building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Accra.