The educational and social needs of thousands of residents of Tema are at risk over the possible sale of their children’s park which has the only operational library situated on a 6.2 acre land.
One of such persons is 34-year-old freelance teacher, Ananse. Born and raised in Tema, the library has been his primary learning source for the past decades which he accesses four times a week. If the purported sale of the facility is anything to go by, then Ananse may have to look elsewhere to access a library, that will definitely be out of Tema.
“It will be very, very bad and unfortunate because where I live, traversing from my place to the Balme Library at the University of Ghana which will be my only option, will be costly and also the traffic situation will be problematic for me. I want to believe that the sale is untrue, because if authorities cannot add on, then there is no need selling it,” he emphasized.
Amuda Mohammed who was seen at the library taking notes for his PhD course ensured that his views were captured when he realized the news team was around to follow up on the alleged sale of the children’s park. He admitted seeing heaps of sand and stones on the land during his previous visits to the library and was elated to finally witness a modification of the library after several decades.
He fumed when he was told otherwise. He had personally also seen Chinese nationals supervising civil works on site. “When I heard it, I said it was not true because government will not do that, but repeatedly I saw action being taken. Some walls are going to be built as a starting point and this is a tragedy indeed,” he gazed into the camera without blinking an eye pouring out his frustration.
Gideon Tetteh who is leading the charge said he is not leaving any stone unturned. “There is evidence to show that the land has been leased, I can share that with you. Documents don’t lie unless Tema Development Company is going to manufacture new documents. I’ve been talking for 3 weeks now, if I were lying, they could have brought counter documents to say that I’m lying.”
He is resorting to the court if all other options fail. He explained that he will sue relevant authorities including Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Tema Development Company and the constituency in which the park is situated, Tema West.
The Tema Children’s Park in 2013, was subleased to the Tema Metropolitan Assembly by the Tema Development Company upon request by the then mayor, Kempis Ofosuware, to be developed into a modern recreational centre. The company explained that the request was granted because public lands are managed by municipal and metropolitan assemblies.
The park, which has the only operational library in the metropolis has reportedly been sold to a Chinese company to be developed into a Casino. The issue has become a source of tension between the government and local residents, with many people calling for a thorough investigation into the sale of the park.
Reacting to the concerns of residents, protocol officer at the Tema Development Company, Ian Tabalor Okwei, refuted allegations of sale to a private developer. He indicated that all documents confirm that the park is properly designated for its intended purpose. “What we have on record is a sublease to TMA and the information we have is that the assembly intends to have a joint venture with a private developer.”
He confirmed that all other structures on the land including a church are temporary. They found their way there because the land was idle. Caution has been issued and within 28 days they will be demolished.
However, residents have challenged this explanation and remain skeptical of the assembly’s decision. They expect to be informed about the development process.