Tema Metropolitan Assembly adopts 2026 Annual Action Plan

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has adopted a 2026 Annual Action Plan comprising 241 programmes and activities at an estimated cost of GH¢140 million.

Madam Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), disclosing this in a sessional address, said the plan would be financed mainly through internally generated funds, the District Assemblies Common Fund and other sources.

Madam Bright said the IGF would be used to implement 58 percent of the plan, while the District Assemblies Common Fund and funding sources would cater for 33.5 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

She explained that the 2026 plan responded directly to persistent challenges of ageing sewer systems, deteriorated roads and drains, waste management gaps, encroachment, slum conditions, and deficiencies in educational, health, and recreational infrastructure.

She said the plan focused on data-driven governance and digital transformation, stating that “Our vision is to transform Tema into a data-driven, innovative, and model digital metropolis, one where decisions are based on evidence, where services are delivered efficiently, and where the Assembly knows precisely what it governs.”

Reporting on some works done in 2025, she said within the first week of assuming office as the MCE, the TMA completed emergency repairs on a 310-metre stretch of Harbour Road between Mankoadze and Harbour Roundabout.

She added that the Padmore Road junction upgrade, in partnership with the Swiss Government through SECO, was advancing, announcing that the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) for all communities had been scheduled for 2026.

She said projects awarded included the paving of El Paso Lorry Station, renovation works at the Urban Roads Department and Waste Management Department, and refurbishment of the Community Centre.

She indicated that the construction and rehabilitation of lorry terminals across the metropolis was a priority for 2026.

Madam Bright added that the Authority’s Committee had rightly drawn attention to pedestrian safety concerns, and the assembly would prioritise the provision of zebra crossings, road signs, and speed ramps at identified high-risk locations.

The Committee had also recommended interim truck parking measures, which management would review, noting that the TMA would intensify its Facelift Campaign in 2026 to reclaim public spaces and organise informal trading activities.

Madam Bright said an audit revealed over 3,000 temporary structures across the metropolis, with only 19 having valid permits.

She said structures within declared security zones would be removed without relocation, while traders outside security zones would be provided with organised trading clusters.

The campaign was aimed at ensuring safety, fairness and orderly urban development, she said.

On lighting the metropolis, she said the assembly had repaired 320 streetlights across all 21 electoral areas to improve safety and night-time visibility, noting that the distribution was done equitably, with a minimum of 12 streetlights per electoral area.

An additional 100 streetlights were expected to be installed, while comprehensive maintenance works were ongoing on principal streets, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy.

Madam Bright acknowledged delays caused by underground cable replacement challenges but assured that works would be expedited.