The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has rolled out a comprehensive campaign to check the proliferation of temporary structures in the metropolis, which has become a growing urban management challenge.
Led by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Ebi Bright, the initiative—dubbed the “Tema Facelift Campaign”—seeks to restore order, safeguard public safety, and re-establish Tema as Ghana’s premier industrial and port city.
In a statement issued by the Assembly in Tema on Friday, Ms Bright noted that the unregulated spread of kiosks and containers across streets, walkways, drains, and other open spaces over the years had become a major source of concern.
“While these structures serve as vital sources of livelihood for many residents, their uncontrolled growth has created serious challenges, including traffic congestion, encroachment on waterways, flood risks, and a generally unattractive cityscape,” she said.
Ms Bright stressed that the Assembly was determined to bring order to the metropolis in a fair but firm manner.
“Tema must grow in an organised and fair way. We value the right of citizens to trade and work, but we cannot allow lawlessness to destroy our city. This is not about punishment — it is about fairness, proper urban planning, and restoring Tema’s dignity as a modern industrial hub,” she added.
The eight-month Facelift Campaign, which began in July 2025, involves strict enforcement of development control, spatial reorganisation, and the introduction of a regularisation programme to protect livelihoods while ensuring an orderly physical environment.
As part of the measures, the TMA has suspended the issuance and renewal of permits for temporary structures. The Assembly cautioned that any kiosks or containers erected on or after July 21, 2025, would not be regularised and would be removed without hesitation.
Additionally, the Assembly has designated specific security zones where temporary structures will not be tolerated under any circumstances. These include the premises of schools, hospitals and health facilities, police and other security agencies, government buildings, as well as utility service corridors and installations such as transformers, water pipelines, sewage systems, and underground fibre optic lines.
The MCE explained that these directives were consistent with national legislation, including the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925), and TMA bye-laws on unauthorised development.
She further assured existing traders and structure owners that the campaign is not a blanket demolition exercise, but a planned and transparent process.
“We are developing a fair regularisation programme to ensure that livelihoods are protected even as we bring order to our city,” she said.
According to the Assembly, members of TMA will visit their communities to sensitise residents and traders about the new measures, guide them through the regularisation process, and encourage voluntary compliance.
Ms Bright appealed to residents and business operators to cooperate fully with the Assembly in achieving the vision of a safe, clean, and organised metropolis.
FROM KEN AFEDZI, TEMA
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