The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Ebi Bright, said the position was anchored in Ghana’s local governance and planning laws, which vested planning and development authority in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

She said the clarification had become necessary amid an ongoing disagreement between the TMA and TDC Company Limited over an infilling project at Community One, Site Three.

Speaking at a meeting with residents of Sites Three and Eight, Madam Bright said the Assembly had received petitions concerning developments in the communities, including the felling of about 50 trees, demolition of existing structures, appropriation of playgrounds and green belts, and obstruction of access routes.

She said the Assembly subsequently visited the area and verified that some of the reported activities were taking place.

Madam Bright acknowledged that TDC had legitimate responsibilities relating to land ownership, property management and lease administration, but stressed that those functions did not confer planning or regulatory authority on the company.

She explained that although TDC could develop its properties, it was required to obtain the necessary permits from the TMA before undertaking physical development.

“TMA is the planning and development authority for the city,” she stated.

The MCE said the Assembly was responsible for assessing proposed developments, engaging affected residents and their elected representatives, considering objections and, where necessary, leading processes for rezoning and obtaining the required approvals before development could proceed.

She said the Community One, Site Three project had not followed the required process, prompting the Assembly to direct the developers to suspend work to allow for further engagement and the completion of the appropriate statutory procedures.

Madam Bright stressed that the action should not be interpreted as an attempt by the Assembly to undermine TDC, noting that the TMA respected the company’s legitimate commercial and property management functions.

She said the issue was rather about ensuring that every institution operating within Tema remained within its lawful mandate.

According to her, TDC’s conversion into a private limited liability company in 2017 further distinguished its property management responsibilities from the regulatory functions of the Assembly.

She said TDC could collect ground rent, manage its properties and administer leases, but could not issue building permits, undertake demolitions, rezone public spaces or issue enforcement notices.

Madam Bright also disclosed that the Assembly had received complaints from residents who were allegedly receiving conflicting notices from the TMA and TDC, while some structures bearing valid TMA permit numbers had reportedly been demolished by TDC’s task force.

She cautioned against such practices and said the Assembly would continue to enforce its mandate while engaging the relevant institutions to resolve the dispute.