Implementing a systems approach for effective property taxation in Ghana

Ghanaian local governments – metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) – face several challenges preventing them from raising more revenue from property taxes. These challenges include limited access to information about properties such as location, ownership and accurate valuations.

As part of its programmes, VNG International (the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities), developed a systems approach for 33 Ghanaian MMDAs seeking to sustainably increase property tax revenues. This approach was initiated in 2018 through the Tax Revenue for Economic Enhancement (TREE) project, spanning five years across MMDAs in the Western, Central and Ashanti regions. The project was implemented in partnership with the Dutch Embassy in Ghana, the Ghanaian Ministries of Finance, Local Government and Rural Development, and three regional Ministries.

Read the full article by VNG International expert Peter Jongkind on ICTD website.