The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has introduced a new digital payment platform for collecting Business Operating Permits (BOPs), and Property Rates via the short codes *222*33# and *222*55# respectively.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the AMA to streamline revenue collection, improve data accuracy, and enhance service delivery for citizens and stakeholders.
Speaking during a Rate Payers’ Training programme organised for stakeholders at the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan Council, to bring them up to speed with the step-by-step process to access and use the system, Nobel Atsu Ahadzie, Director of Budget at AMA, said the system enables ratepayers to make payments directly using their mobile phones, with the added convenience of downloading receipts and certificates online.
He described the platform as user-friendly and accessible, even to individuals with basic mobile phones. AMA plans to provide guidance and support for those who may require assistance, ensuring inclusivity in its implementation.
He pointed out that the new system supports payments for property rates, market tolls, parking tolls, and commercial signage adding that users could check their bills via SMS, a dedicated customer portal, or USSD, while payments could be made through mobile money, bank cards, or banks.
Ahadzie addressed concerns about potential job losses, reassuring stakeholders that revenue collectors would be reassigned to roles in enforcement and customer education stressing that these workers would assist businesses in adopting the system while ensuring compliance.
He also noted that the platform eliminates middlemen, reducing opportunities for corruption while enhancing accountability through real-time tracking of payments.
He noted that the success of a pilot project in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District had necessitated the initiative's expansion to Ablekuma South and Okaikwei South, to ensure that all three sub-metros benefit from digitalisation.
In an interview with the media, Assembly Member for the Korle Bu electoral area and Acting Chairman of the Ablekuma South Sub-Metro, Hon. Richard Tagoe has expressed strong support for the newly introduced digital revenue collection platform, describing it as a long-overdue initiative.
Hon. Tagoe praised the concept, stating that it would help AMA secure its revenue and eliminate leakages caused by corruption.
"This concept is very good and should have been implemented a long time ago," he said, adding that revenue intended for the AMA often ends up in individuals' pockets. He expressed optimism that the new system would help AMA strengthen its financial footing and improve efficiency.
Hon. Tagoe also urged AMA to ensure strict enforcement of laws and regulations under the new platform stressing that enforcement was key to maintaining discipline and compliance among ratepayers.