The Asunafo North Municipal Assembly (ANMA) in Ghana has launched the DL-Rev Software and a dedicated Revenue Monitoring Taskforce to address a significant revenue shortfall, aiming to improve service delivery and local administration. The initiative, announced by Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Joseph Akparibo, follows a disappointing first quarter of 2026 where only 25.7% of the projected revenue was collected.
Context: The Revenue Challenge
Local government revenue is crucial for funding essential infrastructure and services. In the Asunafo North Municipality, Internally Generated Funds (IGF) are particularly vital for addressing infrastructure deficits. However, the first quarter of 2026 revealed a substantial gap between budgeted revenue of GH¢5,293,191.34 and the GH¢1,363,054.56 actually collected.
Specific areas like fines, rent, and fees showed significant underperformance, contributing to the overall shortfall. This situation directly impacts the Assembly’s ability to undertake development projects, which are funded by these revenues.
Modernizing Revenue Collection
To combat financial leakages and enhance efficiency, ANMA has introduced the DL-Rev Software. This digital solution is designed to modernize revenue mobilization and streamline record-keeping across the municipality.
To ensure its effective use, 24 assembly members recently underwent an intensive two-day training workshop. The training focused on data collection techniques, aiming to build a reliable and accurate database for revenue tracking. This technological upgrade is expected to provide better insights into revenue streams and collection efficiency.
Strengthening Field Operations
Complementing the software deployment, ANMA is bolstering its on-the-ground efforts. A specialized Revenue Monitoring Taskforce has been mobilized to directly oversee revenue collectors and enforce strict accountability measures.
This taskforce will play a critical role in ensuring that collected revenues are properly accounted for and deposited, addressing potential inefficiencies or corrupt practices in the collection process.
Impact on Community Development
The Assembly’s ability to fund development projects is directly tied to its revenue collection success. Currently, several IGF-funded projects are underway in communities such as Mpamase, Fianko, Bonkoni, and others.
These projects include the construction of health facilities (CHPS compounds), educational infrastructure (classroom blocks with auxiliary facilities), sanitation facilities (water closet toilets), and access to clean water (mechanized boreholes). The MCE stressed that the scale and pace of these developments hinge on a significant increase in local revenue generation.
Addressing Illegal Mining and Corporate Partnerships
Beyond revenue, the MCE also addressed environmental and security concerns, particularly regarding illegal mining. The Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has intensified surveillance to curb such activities.
ANMA plans to transition local miners into the formal sector through a Community Cooperative Mining Scheme. This initiative aims to legalize and regulate mining operations in areas like Tweapease and Manukrom No.2, providing a sustainable alternative while ensuring compliance.
The Assembly also acknowledged the crucial role of corporate social responsibility. The Asunafo North Municipal Cocoa Cooperative and Marketing Union has significantly supported educational infrastructure, jointly commissioning several projects including classroom blocks and teachers’ quarters in recent times.
Looking Ahead
The success of the DL-Rev Software and the Revenue Monitoring Taskforce will be crucial in determining the Asunafo North Municipality’s ability to meet its financial targets and fund vital community development projects. Increased revenue collection is anticipated to accelerate the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and enable new ones. Furthermore, the formalization of mining activities and continued partnerships with organizations like the Cocoa Cooperative Union will be key factors in the municipality’s overall economic and social progress. The focus will be on sustained improvements in revenue collection efficiency and the tangible impact on residents’ quality of life.
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