The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has been urged to be sensitive to the concerns of business
associations in the metropolis.
Mr Akwasi Afriyie-Badu, Chief Executive of KAB Governance Consult, who made the appeal said there should be a memorandum of understanding between the assembly and business associations on the
roles expected of each of them.
Mr Afriyie-Badu made the appeal when he called on Madam Patricia Appiagyei, KMA Chief Executive to discuss the outcome of a business survey conducted by KAB Consult on behalf of the Ghana
Journalists Association (GJA) in the Kumasi Metropolis.
The survey was part of a project embarked upon by the GJA as part of an advocacy to make Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies friendlier to businesses, especially the small and medium
enterprises.
The project is being funded by the Business Sector Advocacy Fund (BUSAC) and is aimed at using the media to strengthen the capacities of small and medium scale business associations and also
streamline their relationships with local authorities to enhance their smooth operations and growth.
According to Mr Afriyie-Badu, the survey revealed that business associations in the Kumasi Metropolis were not consulted on issues such as fee fixing, which had direct impact on their operations.
It also identified inequity in the rates charged by the Assembly, lack of data on businesses in the Metropolis, poor forecasting, and long delays in adjusting rates among others.
He said these weaknesses were affecting business growth and development in the Metropolis and suggested the building of a database for businesses in a cost effective manner.
Mr Afriyie-Badu, however, commended the Assembly for being reasonable in its rates and also providing legal backing to them at all times.
Mr Bright Blewu, General Secretary of the GJA added that the project, which started in 2006 in some selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, was also to articulate the concerns of SMEs in the country.
Madam Patricia Appiagyei commended GJA for the survey, which she said would help shape the views of the Assembly in its relationship with the business community in the Metropolis.
She said the suggestion could help the Assembly engage a consultant to come out clearly on how to fix fees and also develop systems that could be able to support the realization of additional
avenue.
GNA
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