The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has led a special operation at Makola Market to inspect the Business Operating Permits (BOPs) of shop owners as part of measures to strengthen compliance and boost revenue mobilisation for the city.
Mayor Allotey, who was accompanied by the Coordinating Director of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Douglas N. K. Annoful, and revenue collectors, explained that the exercise formed part of the Assembly’s broader strategy to enforce regulations while ensuring fairness in the collection of fees.
During the operation, the Mayor interacted with traders and shop owners, urging them to pay their BOPs on time to avoid prosecution.
He expressed concern over what he described as widespread non-compliance, stressing that the Assembly would intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure full compliance.
“We cannot continue to look on while some shop owners refuse to comply with the rules. The law is clear, and we will not hesitate to prosecute offenders. Everyone must contribute their fair share to run the city,” he said.
Hon. Allotey also disclosed plans to redevelop shops at the market into three to four-storey facilities to accommodate more traders as part of the AMA’s decongestion drive and provide a more organised and conducive environment for commercial activities.
The Mayor, who also joined the revenue collection team to oversee the collection of market tolls, underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the process and urged revenue officers to ensure efficiency in mobilising funds for city development.
