Copyright ahotoronline
The Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) has taken a bold step by sealing off the China Mall within its jurisdiction over unpaid property rates. This decisive move occurred after the mall reportedly failed to clear outstanding dues despite multiple warnings. Customers inside were given only 10 minutes to finalize their purchases and leave the premises, signaling a firm message from the Assembly that non-compliance with local revenue laws would not be tolerated. This clampdown is part of a broader revenue mobilization initiative by LEKMA aimed at ensuring all businesses operating within its bounds pay their dues promptly. Such measures are crucial for local governments to generate revenue to fund public services and infrastructural development. Unfortunately, the exact amount owed by the China Mall to the Assembly has not been made public, raising questions about the scale of the debt and the mall's financial management. Hajia Sharifatu Sule, a government representative leading the operation, emphasized that the Assembly had repeatedly engaged the mall's management to settle their business and property rates. The repeated failure to heed these warnings forced the Assembly to resort to these drastic actions as a last resort to enforce compliance. This suggests a breakdown in communication and cooperation between the mall and local authorities, escalating a financial matter into a public confrontation. However, this enforcement approach has sparked debate among local governance experts. Ing. Amon Kotei condemned LEKMA's decision to directly lock down the mall premises. He argued that a more lawful and orderly approach would have been to take legal action against the company in court. Following proper judicial procedures would uphold due process and avoid disruption to businesses and customers, maintaining a balance between enforcing regulations and respecting business operations. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between municipal authorities striving to enhance revenue collection and businesses navigating their financial obligations. It also raises broader issues about governance, enforcement methods, and the need for transparent dialogue between authorities and commercial entities. Moving forward, improved communication and adherence to legal frameworks could prevent such confrontations and foster better cooperation for mutual benefit. Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku [playlist ids="3680"] [audio mp3="https://ahotoronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PROCESS.mp3"][/audio]
