Private-sector stakeholders in Tema, Ghana, have urged the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) to strengthen security around critical industrial and energy infrastructure. They also want the Assembly to address traffic and road challenges affecting business operations in the metropolis. The stakeholders made the call at a meeting organised by the TMA to engage private-sector operators on challenges confronting businesses and ways to strengthen collaboration between industry and the Assembly.
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has expressed concerns about security challenges at the gas enclave at Tema Manhean. A representative of WAPCo, Mr William Osei, said the enclave faced security challenges that required urgent attention. He said WAPCo, the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Tema LNG supplied natural gas used to generate about 80 per cent of Ghana’s electricity.
Mr Osei said a security assessment by National Security had recommended that the gas enclave be formally designated a security zone to protect the facilities from potential attacks or damage. He expressed concern about the dumping and burning of refuse near high-pressure gas pipelines, warning that smouldering fires could pose serious risks to the pipelines and surrounding communities.
Other stakeholders also raised concerns about traffic and road challenges affecting business operations. Mr Charles Ofori, a representative of Meridian Port Services (MPS), said heavy truck movements and the operations of container yards were contributing to severe traffic congestion along the Beach Road corridor. He said MPS had introduced electric trucks as part of efforts to reduce emissions and meet international environmental standards.
Mr Emmanuel Jason Solomon Penney, a representative of Japan Motors, appealed to the TMA to rehabilitate roads linking the VALCO Roundabout to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Nestlé. He said heavy dust and deep potholes on the roads were affecting the health of workers and slowing business operations.
Madam Ebi Bright, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, assured the business community of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the challenges and protecting businesses operating in the metropolis. She said the Assembly was the legal planning authority for Tema and, therefore, companies and government agencies were required to obtain its approval before constructing facilities or altering land use.
The TMA will engage directly with companies to address security concerns, establish accountability for identified lapses and align corporate support with the development priorities of the metropolis. Key points include the need for a security zone around the gas enclave, addressing traffic and road challenges, and strengthening collaboration between industry and the Assembly.
Key points
- The gas enclave at Tema Manhean faces security challenges that require urgent attention.
- Heavy truck movements and container yard operations contribute to severe traffic congestion along the Beach Road corridor.
- The TMA has assured the business community of its commitment to addressing the challenges and protecting businesses operating in the metropolis.
