TMA, TWMA lock horns over assets

Tension is seriously brewing between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) in the Greater Accra Region over the sharing of assets.

The two assemblies appear to be in serious loggerheads which could result in a clash if immediate steps are not taken to address the situation.

They are calling for immediate steps by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to immediately form a transitional team to prevent a clash between the two assemblies over ownership of properties and documents.

Over 10 months since the TWMA was inaugurated after it was carved from TMA, the former is yet to take over some planned and ongoing projects from the TMA.

Some of the projects include classroom blocks and auxiliary facilities at Adjei-Kojo and Lashibi, several fence wall constructions in various schools, rehabilitation of markets, stores and sheds as well as renovation of schools, among other selected school projects.

Speaking at the sessional address of the ordinary general meeting of the first assembly last Wednesday, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Tema West Municipal Assembly, Mrs. Adwoa Amoako, expressed her frustration over what she described as attempt by the TMA to thwart the progress of her assembly.

According to her, since the assembly was inaugurated some 10 months ago, the TMA has refused to release documents and properties belonging to the TWMA.

She stated that TMA has rather resorted to fighting TWMA over revenue collection within the jurisdiction of TWMA.

The MCE stated that all efforts to get documents and properties belonging and covering TWMA from TMA had proved futile.

She stated that all assets must be shared fairly and documented, adding that there is the need for both assemblies to understand how and where to take revenue from those areas, including the mode of sharing.

“I wish to state that I will ensure that all necessary documents on contracts, infrastructure and development projects due the assembly are handed over by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly,” Mrs. Amoako promised.

The latest feud was said to have occurred when officials from TMA went and locked up a factory with the excuse that the company had already paid its rates to the TWMA.

The company was temporarily shut down for several hours until the police intervened to ensure peace and sanity.