Mahama orders framework to resolve TMA-TDC development control dispute within 14 days
Written on
President John Dramani Mahama has given Ghana's local government and housing ministers 14 days to develop a framework resolving the dispute between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and TDC Ghana over development control and building permits.
President John Dramani Mahama has given the ministers responsible for local government and housing 14 days to develop a framework to resolve the continuing institutional dispute between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited.
The directive was contained in a letter issued by the Office of the President on 28 August 2026. Ministers have been instructed to convene a meeting involving the two institutions and submit an agreed administrative and operational framework, together with a report on all outstanding issues, to the President within the specified period.
The directive applies to Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, and Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The proposed framework is expected to define the roles and working relationship between the TMA and TDC, addressing development permitting, infrastructure coordination, revenue obligations, information sharing, dispute resolution and regular engagement.
The presidential intervention follows a disagreement between the TMA and TDC over development control and building permits within the Tema Metropolis. The dispute intensified after the Assembly issued a stop-work order and demolished portions of structures at a TDC project at Community One, Sites 3 and 8. The TMA said the development had begun without the necessary permits, while TDC maintained that it had a separate statutory mandate to plan, lay out and develop the Tema Acquisition Area.
In settling the question of authority, the Presidency recognised the TMA as the highest political and administrative authority within the Tema Metropolis and affirmed its responsibility for overall development, human settlements, municipal services, revenue mobilisation and local planning, including the issuing of development and building permits.
TDC, described in the directive as a commercially oriented real estate developer rather than a municipal, legislative or planning authority, was directed to comply with the TMA's statutory powers over development control, spatial planning, permits, municipal services, rates, fees and other regulatory matters. The Presidency also instructed the TMA to exercise its powers fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with the law, without unnecessarily obstructing legitimate development, investment or TDC's commercial activities.