The Suhum Municipal Assembly has engaged stakeholders as part of the preparation and review of the 2027 Composite Budget, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to submit their inputs, suggestions, and recommendations towards the development of the budget.
The Municipal Co-ordinating Director, on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, Honourable Lydia Ohenewa Sarah, extended greetings to the participants and welcomed them to the engagement.
He noted that the decentralisation reforms of the country require stakeholders to be actively involved in the governance process, particularly in the preparation of the budget. He explained that the engagement was therefore organised to fulfil the constitutional and legal requirements for stakeholder participation in the budget preparation process.
The Municipal Co-ordinating Director encouraged participants to carefully review the documents presented and submit their suggestions and recommendations before the budget is presented to the various committees and subsequently submitted to the General Assembly for consideration and approval.
He further explained the legal implications of the engagement and stated that the outcome of the meeting would provide valuable inputs for the preparation of the 2027 Composite Budget.
The Municipal Budget Analyst took participants through the Assembly’s financial performance for 2026 and projections for 2027. He presented the revenue performance for 2025 and 2026, as well as the projected budget for 2027. He also highlighted the Assembly’s performance in relation to Internally Generated Funds (IGF), grants, and donor funds.
He further educated participants on the legislation and key issues governing the imposition of the Fee-Fixing Resolution. He subsequently outlined the various fee categories and upper limits, including Business Operating Permits, fees, fines, permits, rent, and investments.
The floor was then opened for comments, reviews, questions, and suggestions from participants, who contributed to the discussions and provided inputs towards the preparation of the 2027 Composite Budget.
The Assembly subsequently engaged stakeholders in Nankese and Akorabo as part of the broader stakeholder consultation process to solicit their views and inputs for the 2027 Composite Budget.