The government has intervened in the ongoing dispute between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited, affirming that the TMA remains the supreme political, administrative, and spatial planning authority within the metropolis.
In a directive issued from the Office of the President and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, the government detailed its position following a comprehensive review of the constitutional and statutory mandates of both entities.
The letter, dated 28th August 2026, emphasized that the TMA is the highest local authority established under the 1992 Constitution and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
“It is responsible for the overall development of the metropolis, the management of human settlements, the provision of municipal services and the mobilisation of revenue through rates, fees, taxes and duties prescribed by law,” the statement read.
The presidency further clarified that under the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925), the assembly holds sole responsibility for regulating physical development and issuing building permits within its jurisdiction.
Addressing the legal status of TDC Ghana Limited, the government noted that while its historic contributions to Tema’s development are recognized, its current status as a limited liability company does not grant it regulatory or local governance powers.
“TDC Ghana Limited, on the other hand, is a limited liability company operating as a commercially oriented real estate developer,” the letter stated. “Its activities within the Tema Metropolis are therefore subject to the Constitution and all applicable enactments, by-laws, planning requirements and lawful regulatory processes administered by the TMA and other competent public authorities.”
Under the new directives, TDC must fully comply with TMA’s authority regarding development control, permitting, and municipal fees. Conversely, the TMA has been instructed to exercise its powers fairly and transparently without unnecessarily obstructing TDC’s legitimate commercial operations.
“Neither institution shall assume or exercise functions legally assigned to the other,” the statement noted, adding that TMA must retain its regulatory mandate while TDC concentrates on commercial property development.
To ensure a smooth working relationship, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs have been directed to jointly establish an operational framework within 14 days. This framework will address development permitting, revenue obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The presidency also ordered an immediate end to all public confrontations and media commentary regarding the impasse.
“The President expects both institutions to cooperate fully in bringing this matter to an immediate and lasting conclusion. Any further institutional conflict, public confrontation or refusal to comply with this directive will be viewed seriously,” the directive warned.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
