Tema Development Company Limited (TDC) has criticised the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) for demolishing portions of its Community One Site Three infilling project, describing the action as unfortunate and premature.
The company says the demolition took place before the expiration of a seven-day period it was given to respond to concerns raised by the Assembly regarding permits for the project.
Speaking in an interview, TDC Ghana Limited Managing Director, Courage Nunekpeku, said the company received a letter from the TMA dated August 7 on August 10.
The letter requested additional documentation and outlined steps TDC was expected to take before continuing with the project.
Mr Nunekpeku said TDC promptly responded to the Assembly, while also reminding it of the longstanding relationship between the two institutions.
According to him, TDC has operated under an understanding with local assemblies for more than four decades, under which it has not traditionally been required to obtain permits for its projects in the manner now being demanded.
He said the relationship also involved TDC making land available to assemblies for community projects without charging them for the land.
“We have a longstanding relationship to the extent that whatever project we are doing, we are not supposed to get a permit for a project,” he said.
Mr Nunekpeku expressed surprise that the Assembly moved to the project site on August 12, despite the seven days given to TDC, which he said was expected to expire on August 14.
The dispute centres on the Community One Site Three infilling project, which the TMA halted over concerns about permits and the use of land reportedly designated for community facilities.
TDC has since petitioned higher authorities over the matter and expressed confidence that the disagreement between the two government institutions can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
