Savannah Regional Minister Sends Strong Warning to Assemblies Over Illegal Revenue Collection

Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe Issifu has warned local assemblies against collecting money from residents and business owners without proper legal approval, bringing fresh attention to how public revenue is collected and managed in the region.

The warning, reported by Kumasi Mail on Friday, October 23, 2026, raises an important issue for residents who depend on local businesses and daily trading to earn a living. While assemblies need money to provide services and support development, questions can arise when people are asked to pay fees without a clear explanation of what the money is for.

Local assemblies in Ghana play an important role in development. They are responsible for supporting sanitation, maintaining local roads, managing markets and providing other services that affect people’s daily lives. To carry out these duties, they collect approved rates, fees and other charges under the law.

However, there is a difference between collecting approved revenue and demanding payments that have not been properly authorised. Unapproved charges can place an extra burden on traders, transport operators, small business owners and ordinary residents who are already dealing with the cost of running their businesses and supporting their families.

The minister’s warning therefore puts the spotlight on the need for assemblies to follow the rules when collecting public money. Residents should be able to understand why they are being charged, how much they are expected to pay and which authority has approved the payment.

For small business owners, even a seemingly minor fee can affect their daily earnings, especially when several charges are imposed within a short period. If such payments are not properly explained, they can create frustration and reduce public trust in local authorities.

At the same time, assemblies need reliable revenue to carry out their responsibilities. Preventing illegal collections should not mean stopping legitimate revenue mobilisation. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that every charge is lawful, properly recorded and used for its intended purpose.

The warning also raises questions about supervision and accountability. If unauthorised collections are taking place, residents will want to know how they are being monitored and what steps will be taken against those responsible.

However, the available report does not provide details of specific assemblies accused of illegal collection, the exact fees involved or whether any officials have been sanctioned. It would therefore be unfair to assume that every assembly in the Savannah Region is involved in such practices.

What matters now is whether the warning will lead to stronger checks, clearer information about approved fees and action against any proven wrongdoing.