The Tema Youth Association has expressed support for the Tema Metropolitan Assembly’s (TMA) ongoing demolition of unauthorised structures within designated security zones, especially at the Tema Manhean beach.

They describe the exercise as a step towards restoring order, sanitation, and public safety in the metropolis.

The endorsement was contained in a letter addressed to the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Ebi Bright, copied to the media, commending the assembly for removing unauthorised structures along the Tema Fishing Harbour beachfront, saying the exercise demonstrated commitment to creating a cleaner, safer and more organised city.

The Association expressed the hope that the redevelopment of the beachfront would attract investment and transform the area into a modern economic hub capable of creating employment opportunities beyond traditional fishing-related activities.

It also pledged its support for the assembly’s environmental sanitation, community development, and youth empowerment programmes.

Mr Frank Asante, Public Relations Officer of the TMA, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, said the demolition formed part of the assembly’s metropolitan-wide facelift campaign aimed at enforcing designated security zones and restoring order in public spaces.

Mr Asante explained that the exercise was being carried out on the theme: “Organised Spaces, Fair Opportunities,” stressing that it was intended to ensure orderly development rather than deprive residents of their livelihoods.

“The naval base is a designated security zone, just like other public institutions. We started the exercise in other communities before moving to the naval enclave, where unauthorised structures around the beachfront are being removed,” he said.

 He disclosed that similar enforcement exercises had earlier been undertaken around Community Eight No. Two Basic School and other public facilities after consultations with traditional authorities and affected stakeholders.

 “The chiefs visited the site and commended the exercise, so the support from the youth is not surprising. Our focus is on designated security zones, after which we will move to other locations across the metropolis,” he added.

 He said the assembly was engaging fish processors operating within the area to ensure that redevelopment efforts supported, rather than disrupted, their economic activities.

 Mr Asante said the assembly would organise a series of stakeholder meetings involving the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to educate fish processors on hygienic fish handling and processing practices.

 “They are a key sector of our local economy and contribute significantly to women’s economic empowerment. We want them to operate in a clean, organised and hygienic environment,” he said.

He noted that the exercise had entered its eleventh day and was expected to be completed within the planned 15-day period.

The assembly had previously declared the immediate surroundings of public institutions, security installations and utility corridors as security zones and announced that unauthorised structures within such areas would be removed as part of efforts to improve public safety, protect critical infrastructure and ensure orderly development.