The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), under the leadership of the Mayor of Tema, has intensified its city restoration drive with the removal of unauthorized structures across the metropolis. The exercise, which began around the Assembly enclave, extended to several parts of Tema where structures had been erected without approval.
This forms part of the Assembly’s broader Smart City and Resetting Agenda, which seeks to reposition Tema as a modern, well-planned, and eco-friendly city.
The operation targeted kiosks, makeshift shops, and other structures that had been built on road reservations, pedestrian walkways, and public spaces. According to city officials, these structures not only disrupted mobility and economic activity but also posed safety risks and undermined sanitation efforts.
Supported by security personnel and task force members, were deployed to clear the affected areas. The removal was carried out in phases to minimize disruption and give affected persons ample time to vacate.
The Mayor of Tema underscored the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the planned growth of the city.
> “Tema is a city built on a master plan, and we cannot allow unauthorized structures to erode that vision. Our duty is to protect the integrity of this metropolis. The Assembly will sustain this exercise to safeguard public safety, ease mobility, and enhance the aesthetics of our environment,” the Mayor said.
She added that the exercise was not an attempt to stifle livelihoods but a necessary step to ensure compliance with planning regulations. “We urge all residents and business operators to engage with the Assembly, obtain the proper permits, and build within the law,” she advised.
Reactions to the exercise have been mixed. While some residents commended the Assembly for restoring order, others expressed concern about livelihoods.
A resident of Community 1 site 1 noted, “The congestion in the market and around the Assembly was becoming unbearable. Clearing these structures will help us move freely and improve sanitation.”
However, a kiosk owner affected by the exercise appealed for alternative spaces to be allocated. “We are not against the Assembly’s plans, but we need designated places to continue our businesses. Many of us depend on these kiosks for survival,” she said.
The removal of unauthorised structures is expected to yield long-term benefits. These include:
Improved mobility across major roads and pedestrian walkways.
Enhanced sanitation and drainage, reducing the risk of flooding.
Support for greening projects, as reclaimed spaces will be integrated into ongoing beautification efforts.
Strengthened enforcement of city bye-laws, which will discourage future encroachment.
The initiative also ties in with the Assembly’s climate resilience programmes, where reclaimed spaces will be used for tree planting, community parks, and other green interventions.
The Assembly has assured that the exercise will not be a one-off event but part of a sustained strategy. Plans are underway to designate alternative spaces for small businesses, in collaboration with stakeholders, to ensure that livelihoods are not unduly disrupted.
The Mayor reaffirmed that the Resseting Agenda would remain central to Tema’s transformation. “We are building a city that is orderly, green, and future-ready. This requires the collective responsibility of both the Assembly and the people of Tema,” She concluded.
