Report by Daniel Donkor
An Accra High Court (Land Division) has delivered a decisive ruling against the state-owned Tema Development Company (TDC), striking out its defence and entering judgment against it in a long-running land dispute involving the Nii Tetteh Santeo family.
Presiding over the case, Justice William Boampong ruled that TDC failed to comply with a prior court order compelling it to produce key documents central to its claim over the disputed land. The court also dismissed TDC’s counterclaim and awarded costs of GH¢10,000 against the company.
The suit was initiated by plaintiffs representing the Nii Tetteh Santeo family against Trasacco Estates Development Company, TDC, and the Lands Commission.
Court Orders Defied
In July 2025, the court directed TDC to furnish evidence supporting its assertion that the land in question had been leased under a barter arrangement. According to TDC, the agreement involved the provision of infrastructure services by Trasacco Estates Development Company in exchange for the land.
The court specifically ordered the production of the following: the contract governing the infrastructure arrangement; evidence of approval by the TDC Board; and documentation of clearance or approval by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following investigations.
However, TDC failed to present any of these documents.
Plaintiffs Push for Sanctions
Citing the company’s non-compliance, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Tsatsu Tsikata, applied for the court to strike out TDC’s defence and enter judgment in favour of his clients.
The court upheld the application, effectively removing TDC’s defence from the proceedings and ruling against the company.
Case Continues Against Other Defendants
Despite the ruling, the broader case remains ongoing. The suit, Nii Borlabi-Din Borketey Nkpa and another v. Trasacco Estates Development Corporation, TDC (Ghana) Ltd, and the Lands Commission (Suit No. LD/0059/2015) will proceed against the first and third defendants.
The matter has been adjourned to June 15, 2026, as the court continues to examine the roles of Trasacco Estates Development Company and the Lands Commission in the disputed transaction.
A Significant Legal Setback
The ruling marks a significant setback for TDC in a case that has drawn attention for its implications on land administration, state asset management, and accountability in public-private transactions.
