The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) continues to work with the Shai Osudoku District and Jirapa Municipal Assembly to help in their quest to improve Internally Generated Fund (IGF) mobilization. This engagement has become more crucial given the impact of COVID-19 on local economies. FOSDA has held discussions with the Finance and Revenue officers of both assemblies.

The meeting specifically discussed strategies to improve IGF especially in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. The IGF of local assemblies has dipped since COVID-19, worsening the already existing phenomenon of low mobilization of IGF. This calls for new and innovative strategies and plans to improve the situation.

As a result FOSDA has lined-up programs and discussed same with both assemblies. The highlights were the upcoming Multistakeholder meeting to share lessons and ideas on DRM under Domestic Revenue Mobilization Enhancement through Citizen Engagement; youth development programs under the Ghana Youth Development Enhancement Project (GYDEP) and the inauguration and training for assembly members, unit committee, zonal councils and revenue collectors.

The issues discussed fall under FOSDA’s programmed activities to improve local government public finance and strengthen the functioning of local governance in the local assemblies.

Given that most districts experience low IGF mobilization and this affects their capacity to embark on developmental projects and activities, the programs would contribute to changing the narrative about low IGF mobilization at the local level.