Recognise TMA's development control authority-Gov't directs TDC
By DL News
Published
2 min read
The letter, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, followed a review of the constitutional and statutory mandates of the two institutions.
The government has moved to resolve the development control dispute between TDC Ghana Limited and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, directing TDC to operate within the regulatory authority of the Assembly.
Under the directive, TDC is expected to recognise and comply with the TMA’s powers over spatial planning, development control and permitting within the Tema Metropolis.
The directive was contained in a letter from the Office of the President dated August 28, 2026.
The letter, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, followed a review of the constitutional and statutory mandates of the two institutions.
According to the government, the review established that the Tema Metropolitan Assembly is the highest political and administrative authority within the Tema Metropolis.
It also confirmed the Assembly as the relevant local planning authority under the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016.
That mandate, the government said, gives the TMA responsibility for regulating physical development and considering applications for development and building permits within its jurisdiction.
TDC, by contrast, was described as a limited liability company operating as a commercially oriented real estate developer.
The government acknowledged TDC’s historical role in the planning and development of Tema.
It, however, said the company’s current corporate status does not give it municipal, legislative, regulatory or spatial planning authority.
On that basis, TDC has been directed to comply with the lawful requirements of the TMA on development control, spatial planning, permits, municipal services, rates, fees and other regulatory matters within the metropolis.
The government also cautioned the TMA against abusing its authority.
It said the Assembly must exercise its powers fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with the law.
The directive further warned that TMA’s regulatory authority must not be applied arbitrarily or in a way that unnecessarily frustrates legitimate development, investment or TDC’s commercial operations.
The arrangement means the TMA will retain its municipal and regulatory functions, while TDC will focus on commercial property development and related activities.
The directive is expected to clarify the roles of the two institutions and reduce further conflict over development-related matters in Tema.
