President John Dramani Mahama has given the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, 14 days to resolve the ongoing dispute between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited.
The two ministers have been tasked with establishing an administrative and operational framework that clearly defines the respective roles and responsibilities of TMA and TDC.
They are also expected to submit the framework, together with a report on all outstanding issues between the two institutions, to the President within the 14-day period.
The directive forms part of measures announced by President Mahama to secure an immediate and lasting resolution to the impasse.
As part of the directive, President Mahama has affirmed the Tema Metropolitan Assembly as the highest political and administrative authority within the Tema Metropolis.
He has consequently directed TDC Ghana Limited to recognise and comply with TMA’s constitutional and statutory authority in matters including development control, spatial planning, permitting, municipal services, rates, fees and other lawful regulatory requirements within the metropolis.
The President, however, cautioned the Assembly to exercise its authority fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with the law.
He stressed that TMA’s regulatory powers must not be applied arbitrarily or in ways that unnecessarily obstruct legitimate development, investment or the commercial operations of TDC.
President Mahama has further directed both institutions to halt ongoing actions, public statements and media engagements that could worsen the dispute.
The framework to be developed by the two ministers is expected to address key areas, including development permitting, infrastructure coordination, revenue obligations, information sharing, dispute resolution and periodic engagement between TMA and TDC.
President Mahama has warned that any further institutional conflict, public confrontation or refusal by either party to comply with the directive will be treated seriously.
The two ministers are therefore expected to use the 14-day window to address the outstanding issues and establish a clear working relationship between TMA and TDC.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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