Omanghana
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that it will begin a large-scale revenue enforcement operation on Monday, June 22, 2026, targeting shops and business premises that have defaulted on statutory payments.
According to an official press release issued on Friday, June 19, 2026, by the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the exercise is aimed at recovering outstanding payments owed to the Assembly, including Business Operating Permit (BOP) fees, Property Rates, and rent obligations.
Enforcement Measures and Sanctions
The enforcement operation will be carried out by authorized revenue officers working alongside a special Revenue Mobilization Task Force, with support from regional security agencies. The team will conduct systematic inspections of commercial properties across the metropolis.
Under the directive, all premises found to be in default will be immediately locked and temporarily closed. Reopening will only be permitted after all outstanding arrears have been fully settled.
The AMA further warned that persistent non-compliance will attract statutory penalties and possible legal prosecution in line with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and relevant metropolitan by-laws.
Strict Receipt Verification
As part of the exercise, ratepayers will be required to present valid proof of payment during inspections. The Assembly emphasized that business owners and property managers must ensure copies of receipts are readily available, including leaving them with caretakers or shop attendants where necessary.
Officials stated that no excuses will be accepted for failure to produce valid documentation during enforcement checks.
Crackdown on Illegal Billboards
In addition to shop closures, the task force has been mandated to identify and remove all unauthorized outdoor advertising structures, including illegal billboards, across the metropolis.
The AMA noted that this forms part of efforts to ensure compliance with city regulations governing advertising and public space usage.
Reason for the Enforcement Action
The Assembly explained that the decision to intensify enforcement follows prolonged non-compliance by some businesses and property owners, despite repeated warnings and public sensitization campaigns.
It stressed that internally generated funds from permits and property rates are critical to sustaining essential municipal services. These include sanitation management, public health programs, market infrastructure maintenance, and broader urban development projects.
Payment and Compliance Options
To avoid disruptions to business operations, the AMA has urged all affected individuals and organizations to regularize their payments immediately.
Payments can be made at any designated AMA revenue office or through approved digital payment channels using official short codes.
The Assembly reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance while maintaining order and improving revenue mobilization to support the city’s development agenda.
Source: Omanghana
