Gov’t Moves to End TMA-TDC Standoff Over Tema Development

 

Government has moved to end the prolonged institutional dispute between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited, affirming the Assembly’s authority over development control, planning, permits and municipal revenue within the Tema Metropolis.

In a directive issued on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Government said TMA, as the highest political and administrative authority in the metropolis, has the legal responsibility for the overall development of Tema and the provision of municipal services.

The directive also makes clear that TDC Ghana Limited, despite its historic role in the planning and development of Tema, does not have municipal or spatial planning authority under its current corporate status.

Instead, Government describes TDC as a commercially oriented real estate developer whose activities must comply with applicable laws, planning requirements, by-laws and regulatory processes administered by TMA and other competent public authorities.

TDC subject to TMA regulation

Government has therefore directed TDC to recognise and comply with TMA’s statutory authority in matters including development control, spatial planning, building and development permits, municipal services, rates and other lawful regulatory requirements.

At the same time, the directive cautions TMA against using its regulatory powers in a manner that could unnecessarily obstruct legitimate development, investment or TDC’s commercial operations.

“TMA shall exercise its authority fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with law,” the directive states.

Government also warned both institutions against crossing into functions legally assigned to the other.

Under the proposed arrangement, TMA will retain its municipal and regulatory mandate, while TDC will focus on commercial property development and related responsibilities.

Two ministries to broker new framework

To prevent further clashes, the Ministers for Works, Housing and Water Resources and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs have been tasked with developing an administrative and operational framework defining the working relationship between the two institutions.

The framework is expected to cover development permitting, infrastructure coordination, revenue obligations, information sharing, dispute resolution and regular engagement between TMA and TDC.

The two ministers have been given 14 days from the date of the directive to submit the framework and a report on outstanding issues to the President.

Public confrontation must stop

Government has also ordered both institutions to immediately stop actions, public statements and media engagements that could worsen the dispute.

The leadership of TMA and TDC has been directed to cooperate with the two ministries and conduct itself in line with the collective responsibility of Government.

President Mahama has warned that any further institutional conflict, public confrontation or refusal to comply with the directive will be treated seriously.

The directive effectively seeks to end the uncertainty over who controls development activities in Tema, while separating TMA’s regulatory responsibilities from TDC’s commercial property development role.