By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
President John Dramani Mahama has summoned Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) Ebi Bright and the Managing Director of TDC Ghana Limited, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, to the Jubilee House to resolve a dispute between the two over a development project at Community 1, Site 3, in Tema.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., as the Presidency seeks to resolve the escalating disagreement and prevent further confrontation between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources are also expected to attend the meeting.
The dispute centres on the construction of a TDC shop and office complex at Community 1, Site 3.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday, August 12, when the Tema MCE reportedly led an enforcement team to the site to halt construction and demolish portions of the development.
The TMA maintains that the project is being undertaken without the necessary local planning and development permits.
Residents have also raised concerns about the project, alleging that it has resulted in the felling of about 50 mature trees, the destruction of community green spaces and children’s playgrounds, as well as the obstruction of access routes within the neighbourhood.
TDC Ghana Limited, however, has disputed the Assembly’s position and condemned the action taken by the TMA.
Mr Nunekpeku described the Assembly’s intervention as “extremely unfortunate” and argued that it could undermine the implementation of government projects.
According to him, TDC operates under a longstanding “government-to-government” arrangement under which state agencies undertaking public projects are not required to obtain standard municipal building permits.
He further said the Community 1, Site 3 project had been subjected to the necessary reviews by the Ministry of Finance, the Public Procurement Authority and the Ministry of Works and Housing.
The conflicting positions have heightened tensions between the two institutions, prompting the Presidency to intervene.
Monday’s meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to present their positions and clarify the respective mandates of the TMA and TDC Ghana Limited.
The meeting could also determine whether construction on the project will continue and under what conditions, while seeking to establish a clear framework for resolving the dispute.
