As a resident of Tema, an Architect and a passionate urban enthusiast, I write to warmly welcome and commend your decision to meet with the Municipal Chief Executive of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and the leadership of the Tema Development Corporation (TDC).
This is a very timely intervention.
It truly demonstrates your attention, commitment to the rule of law, transparent governance, and the protection of public assets for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
As the current dispute between the TMA and TDC continues to unfold, we respectfully urge you to consider the following critical issues, which are firmly grounded in the laws of the Republic of Ghana: Investigate Land Management at TDC and TMA.
That respectfully, you further institute an independent, transparent investigation into the mana gement of land by both the TDC and TMA over the years.
An investigation is necessary to determine whether these statutory duties have been upheld and to restore public confidence in the administration of state lands.
There are serious and credible concerns that lands historically designated as Public Open Spaces and corridors reserved for future access roads have been sold or converted without due process.
Protected public spaces include mangroves, Ramsar sites and wetlands, parks, playgrounds, roads, transport corridors, utility corridors, and green belts.
Any attempt by any institution to rezone such lands without Parliamentary approval is unlawful.
We respectfully His Excellency to direct that all such transactions be suspended pending a full audit and that any illegal sales be reversed.
Most Local Government enthusiasts believe that current conflict has come to light largely because the Municipal Chief Executive of TMA may be asserting the TMA’s statutory responsibilities.
However, the TMA appears to lack the staff, logistics, and institutional capacity to effectively exercise its mandate.
The visible contrast between the TMA’s uncompleted offices and the beautifully completed TDC offices is a matter of public concern and that even affects the TMA’s confidence to ensure compliance.
Strengthening the TMA’s capacity is essential for it to fulfill this legal mandate and protect citizens’ interests.
Many developers in Tema have complained and continue to suffer duplicative permitting processes and paying multiple fees to different authorities for essentially the same approvals.
This creates inefficiency, raises costs, and discourages compliant development.
The current complex arrangement, where developers face requirements from both TDC and TMA, needs urgent review.
We encourage Your Excellency to direct a thorough review and streamlining of permitting workflows and fee schedules to eliminate overlaps and protect both public revenue and investor confidence.
Tema boasts of major industries and institutions whose energies should be synergized.
The current web of responsibilities between TMA, TDC and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has become complex and, at times, conflicting.
We urge Your Excellency to direct a clear, legally grounded delineation of roles and a coordinated framework that preserves TMA’s authority while enabling constructive cooperation with TDC and Ghana Ports.
A synergetic approach will make Tema more orderly, competitive, and resilient.
Tema is vital to Ghana’s economy and its people deserve transparent, lawful, and efficient local governance.
Your meeting with the MCE and TDC leadership is an important step and residents of Tema are most grateful.
