The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has initiated a stakeholder engagement process to foster inter-sectoral collaboration and enhance service delivery in the metropolis. This move aims to bring together state-owned enterprises, assembly departments, and government agencies to discuss the assembly's development vision, current challenges, and available resources. The engagement seeks to identify areas requiring stronger partnerships to improve service delivery and address gaps in the metropolis.
The engagement event provided stakeholders with an opportunity to present their respective mandates, ongoing projects, key challenges, and potential areas for collaboration. This platform enables the sharing of ideas and expertise, ultimately enhancing coordination and service delivery. Ms. Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), emphasized the TMA's responsibility to protect residents, government assets, and public institutions while ensuring infrastructure and services support economic activity and the long-term development of Tema.
The MCE outlined five key priorities and three flagship programmes aimed at improving the assembly's operations and service delivery. The priorities include revenue enhancement, digitisation and process improvement, service delivery, human capital and culture change, and infrastructure and public space management. The three flagship programmes are revenue enhancement, sanitation first, and the Tema Facelift. These initiatives are designed to address key development needs within the city.
Under the Sanitation First programme, the TMA has implemented several initiatives, including providing skip containers at designated collection points, stocking sewer pipes for prompt repairs, and commencing dredging of the Chemu Lagoon and Ozoko Stream. The assembly plans to introduce zone-based street sweeping, regulate informal waste collectors, and explore a waste-to-energy pilot with private-sector partners. This programme aims to reduce waste in drains and dumpsites, minimise flooding and health risks, and create opportunities for energy generation, jobs, and revenue.
The MCE highlighted the assembly's efforts to review its permitting processes, reducing physical visits, clarifying requirements, and establishing clear timelines. Mobile registration units are being used to register businesses and provide a one-stop service for permits and related enquiries. Additionally, the Tema Facelift Campaign focuses on improving public spaces and protecting public infrastructure. The campaign aims to prevent the placement of kiosks and containers on road shoulders, roundabouts, and reservations, while restoring cleared areas for public use.
The TMA is undertaking a digitisation programme to improve revenue collection, accountability, and service delivery. This programme includes creating a digital record of properties and businesses in Tema to ensure accurate billing, identifying unpaid obligations, and ensuring residents and businesses contribute fairly to city development. The assembly also plans to introduce a single payment point for all its services, allowing payments through a bank teller or digital channels.
The MCE appealed to organisations and institutions to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibilities in the metropolis. The TMA's priorities are being advanced through the three flagship programmes, which are already delivering interventions to address key development needs within the city. The assembly's efforts aim to build a more responsive and accountable institution that improves service delivery and strengthens its engagement with residents.
Key points
- The TMA has identified five key priorities and three flagship programmes to improve its operations and service delivery.
- The Sanitation First programme aims to reduce waste in drains and dumpsites, minimise flooding and health risks, and create opportunities for energy generation, jobs, and revenue.
- The TMA is undertaking a digitisation programme to improve revenue collection, accountability, and service delivery.
