The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has defended its decision to halt construction activities being undertaken by Tema Development Company (TDC Ghana Limited) at Community 1, specifically Sites 3 and 8.
Addressing the media at a press conference, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright, said the Assembly’s decision was based on concerns over the lack of the required permits and the failure of the development to follow the appropriate local governance and planning procedures.
According to the Mayor, the Assembly received a petition from residents of Sites 3 and 8, calling for intervention over physical developments within their communities.
The residents raised concerns over the felling of approximately 50 trees, the demolition of existing structures, the appropriation of playgrounds and green spaces, as well as the blocking of access routes for residents and businesses.
The Mayor said the Assembly subsequently visited the affected areas to verify the allegations and found evidence that the activities were taking place.
He explained that while the Assembly has a responsibility to respond to complaints from residents, the situation becomes more serious when activities such as tree felling, physical development and obstruction of access are carried out without the necessary authorization.
Mr Ebi Bright stressed that TDC Ghana Limited, despite being a state-owned company, is not exempt from local planning and development requirements.
He maintained that TDC does not have exclusive planning immunity and must engage with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and comply with the relevant laws and procedures governing physical development within the metropolis.
The Mayor further explained that any major redevelopment or change in the use of an area must involve proper consultation with residents, consideration by the Assembly, and the necessary approvals before physical development can proceed.
He said the Assembly had asked TDC to suspend the construction works to allow for proper engagement with affected residents and to resolve the concerns raised.
However, according to him, TDC did not respond favourably to the Assembly’s directive, compelling the Assembly to take further steps in accordance with the law.
Mr Ebi Bright also sought to distance President John Dramani Mahama from the disputed developments, stressing that the President had neither instructed nor authorised the projects.
He said any state interest in development activities within the Tema jurisdiction would be channelled through the appropriate government structures and ultimately through the Assembly, which he described as the local government authority responsible for planning and development in the metropolis.
The Mayor emphasised that the government cannot be seen as fighting against itself, insisting that the Assembly’s intervention was aimed at ensuring that development in Tema is carried out in accordance with the law while protecting the interests and rights of residents.
Meanwhile, the Tema Traditional Council has called for calm and a temporary suspension of the disputed construction activities to allow for dialogue between the two state institutions.
The Traditional Council’s intervention comes amid growing concerns among residents over the developments at Sites 3 and 8.
The dispute has therefore brought into focus the relationship between TDC Ghana Limited and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, particularly regarding planning authority, community consultation and the procedures governing physical development within the Tema metropolis.
The Tema Metropolitan Assembly says it remains committed to engaging the affected residents and relevant stakeholders to find a lawful and lasting resolution to the matter.
By: Ebusuapanin Mireku
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