Tema Assembly Halts TDC Infilling Project to Protect Residents and Green Spaces
The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has ordered the Tema Development Company Limited (TDC) to suspend an ongoing infilling project at Community One Site Three, citing breaches of planning regulations and concerns raised by local residents. The move underscores Ghana's commitment to orderly urban development and the protection of public spaces.
Madam Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said the assembly acted after residents from Communities One Site Three and Site Eight petitioned against the developments. Their concerns included the felling of approximately 50 trees, demolition of existing structures, encroachment on playgrounds and green belts, and obstruction of access routes for homes and businesses.
What prompted the TMA to stop the infilling project?
Speaking at a meeting with residents, Madam Bright said the assembly inspected the area and confirmed the activities were ongoing. She noted that issues involving tree felling, physical development, and blocked access could escalate into legal and security matters if proper approvals were not obtained.
“The assembly has directed the developers to suspend work to enable proper engagement with residents and the relevant authorities,” she said. Any development in the area must go through the appropriate planning, consultation, rezoning, and permitting processes, she added.
Why is the planning process essential for Tema's future?
Madam Bright explained that under Ghana's local governance and spatial planning framework, district assemblies are the planning authorities within their jurisdictions. Any proposed change in the use of public spaces must follow statutory procedures, including assessments, resident engagement, and the issuance of development permits.
“The Community One Site Three project has not followed that sequence,” she maintained. She also dismissed claims that the project was initiated at the direction of President John Dramani Mahama. “The President has not asked for this project. It has nothing to do with him,” she said, adding that any state-backed development must comply with the law.
What are the legal boundaries between TMA and TDC?
The MCE acknowledged TDC's role in land ownership, property management, and lease administration but stressed that these functions do not confer planning and regulatory authority on the company. Following changes in the local governance framework, TDC, as a limited liability company, cannot issue building permits, rezone public spaces, or undertake demolitions without assembly authority.
She alleged that some residents received conflicting notices from TMA and TDC, and that structures bearing TMA permit numbers were demolished by a TDC task force. Describing such actions as unlawful, Madam Bright said the assembly would not allow residents to be subjected to harassment or protracted legal disputes.
She cited the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which criminalises the unlawful exercise of supervision or control over land development, and cautioned TDC against exceeding its statutory mandate.
What about the presence of security personnel at the site?
Madam Bright, who also chairs the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC), expressed concern about military and police personnel allegedly providing security at the project site. She said those personnel were not part of the metropolitan security architecture and questioned why security officers would provide cover for activities the assembly considers contrary to its mandate.
How does TDC respond to the suspension?
MCourage Nunekpeku, Managing Director of TDC, earlier expressed concern over the disruption, stating that the project underwent approval and procurement processes involving the Ministry of Finance, the Public Procurement Authority, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Ministry of Water Resources.
Nunekpeku alleged that although TDC received a letter from TMA on August 7, 2026, requesting compliance within seven days, the MCE led a team to the site on August 12, before the deadline expired, resulting in the destruction of some contractor work. He warned that the development could expose the state to financial losses, as the project is funded with public resources.
He called for stronger collaboration among state institutions to prevent disagreements from undermining government-funded development projects.
What happens next for Community One Site Three?
Madam Bright assured residents that the assembly would continue engaging stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably and ensure their concerns are considered. She emphasised that TMA's position is not intended to undermine TDC's role in Tema's land and property administration, but rather to ensure all institutions operate within their legal mandates.
The ultimate goal, she said, is to preserve Tema's status as Ghana's premier planned city through effective planning, clear institutional responsibilities, and orderly development. The assembly remains ready to collaborate with TDC on development initiatives, provided statutory requirements and institutional boundaries are respected.
Frequently asked questions about the TMA and TDC dispute
Why did the TMA stop the TDC infilling project?
The TMA halted the project because it allegedly breached planning regulations, including the felling of about 50 trees, demolition of structures, and obstruction of access routes, without proper approvals from the assembly.
Did President Mahama order the TDC project?
No. Madam Ebi Bright, the Tema MCE, dismissed such claims, stating that the President had not instructed TDC to disregard residents' concerns and that any state-backed development must comply with the law.
What legal powers does TDC have in Tema?
TDC manages land ownership, property management, and lease administration, but it cannot issue building permits, rezone public spaces, or undertake demolitions without the authority of the TMA, according to the local governance framework.
What are the next steps in resolving this dispute?
The TMA has directed developers to suspend work to allow proper engagement with residents and authorities. The assembly will continue stakeholder consultations to resolve the matter amicably and ensure orderly development in Tema.