TMA asserts exclusive planning authority in Tema

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has claimed exclusive planning authority over the Tema Metropolis, insisting that all physical developments within the city must adhere to the assembly's planning and permitting procedures. Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), emphasized that this authority is based on Ghana's local governance and planning legislation, which grant Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) the responsibility for planning and development.

The clarification was necessary due to an ongoing dispute between the TMA and TDC Company Limited regarding an infilling project at Community One Site Three.

During a meeting with residents from Sites Three and Eight, Bright disclosed that the assembly had received petitions concerning various developments, such as the removal of approximately 50 trees, the demolition of existing structures, the commandeering of playgrounds and green belts, and the obstruction of access. Upon visiting the area, the assembly confirmed that some of these activities were indeed occurring.

While TDC holds legitimate responsibilities in land ownership, property management, and lease administration, these activities do not grant the company planning or regulatory authority.

Bright clarified that although TDC is responsible for developing its property, it must first obtain the necessary permits from the TMA before commencing any physical development. The TMA is the city's planning and development authority, mandated to examine proposed developments, interact with residents and their elected representatives, consider objections, and, if necessary, initiate processes for rezoning and securing the required approvals before development can proceed.

The assembly had not allowed the Community One Site Three project to commence as it followed this sequence, prompting the assembly to request the developers to halt work until engagement and the proper statutory processes could be completed.

Bright reassured the audience that the TMA's actions were not an attempt to undermine TDC, stressing that the assembly respects the company's legitimate commercial and property management functions. The issue, according to her, is about ensuring that all institutions operating in Tema remain within their lawful mandates. TDC's conversion into a private limited liability company in 2017 further distinguished its role in property management from the regulatory functions of the assembly.

TDC is authorized to collect ground rent, manage its properties, and administer leases, but it cannot issue building permits, conduct demolitions, rezoning of public spaces, or issue enforcement notices.

Moreover, Bright mentioned that the assembly had received complaints from residents who were receiving conflicting notices from both TMA and TDC, while certain structures bearing valid TMA permit numbers had reportedly been demolished by TDC's task force. She cautioned against such practices and pledged to continue enforcing its mandate while engaging relevant institutions to resolve the ongoing dispute.