Tema Metropolitan Assembly halts Community 1 construction over alleged lack of permits

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has suspended construction works at Community 1, Sites 3 and 8, due to an alleged absence of necessary permits for the project. The Assembly's taskforce also decided to tear down structures on the site, which TMA claims was meant for a community playground and other public facilities. This move has led to disputes between the TMA and TDC Ghana Limited, as well as concerns from local residents about land use and access to the area.

The TMA had previously ordered the contractors to cease work while they tried to resolve the issue, but the orders were reportedly disregarded. The Assembly's officials visited the site twice to stop construction and engage with the parties involved before escalating the matter to the metropolitan security level. When speaking to residents at the site, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive Ebi Bright stated that the Assembly had no documentation of any permitting process for the development.

She emphasized that the Assembly, through its Spatial Planning Committee, has the authority to approve physical development projects within the city. "We were not aware or in any permitting process for any physical development of any nature. That is a crime under the law," she declared. The TMA explained that their intervention was also intended to restore residents' access and mobility to the area and to prevent any intimidation at the site.

The Assembly reiterated that no construction should take place in the metropolis without the required approvals and permits, as concerns persist regarding the development of land designated for public facilities and TDC Ghana Limited's involvement in sanctioning construction projects in the region.