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Tax Analyst Francis Timore Boi proposes the establishment of specialized courts to handle cases of individuals who fail to pay property taxes.
Ministry of Finance to Draft New Legislative Instrument to Improve Property Rate Collection in Ghana
Canada’s New Housing Initiative: Proposals Sought for Crown-Owned Land Developments in Calgary and Edmonton
Tax Analyst Francis Timore Boi has proposed establishing specialized courts to handle cases of individuals who fail to pay property taxes to their local assemblies. He advocates for stricter enforcement, including the potential seizure of properties in extreme cases, similar to practices in other jurisdictions.
Boi believes that increased property tax revenue could significantly reduce local assemblies’ reliance on central government funding. Speaking at the National Tax Conference organized by Oxfam, he emphasized the importance of enforcement in ensuring tax compliance. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) acknowledges the issue of low property tax compliance, attributing it to an attitudinal problem.
The Ministry of Finance in Ghana has established a team to draft a Legislative Instrument (LI) to improve the collection of property rates across the country. This LI, once passed, aims to address challenges in the current system and enhance the effectiveness of property rate collection. Previously, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was tasked with assisting local government bodies in implementing a Unified Common Platform for property rate administration, but the initiative was paused due to challenges.
The government has now decided to streamline processes before resuming implementation.
Still staying on this speaking at the National Tax Conference, Mr. George Winful from the Ministry of Finance highlighted these efforts. The conference, organized by Oxfam with support from the Hewlett Foundation, focused on improving property taxation and tax compliance as key strategies for boosting domestic revenue. Oxfam’s Mohammed Anwar Sadat Adam emphasized that progressive taxation could reduce inequality and poverty, while the GRA’s Dominic Naab affirmed the GRA’s commitment to enhancing tax system efficiency through enforcement, education, and collaboration.
The Canadian government is seeking proposals from developers to build new housing on Crown-owned land in Calgary and Edmonton as part of its effort to address the country’s housing crisis.
Calgary-Skyview MP George Chahal announced the plan, which includes 99 housing units in Calgary’s Currie Barracks, with 30% designated as affordable, priced at 80% of the median market rental rate.
The project will consist of a six-storey condo building located at 3830 Quesnay Wood Dr. Additionally, a similar development is planned for Edmonton’s Village of Griesbach, with more public land to be unlocked for housing in the future.
Source : Joyceln Marigold – Africa Home Building News
