President John Dramani Mahama has given the Ministers for Works, Housing and Water Resources and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim and Mahama Ayariga respectively, two weeks to resolve the long-running dispute between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited.

The two ministers have been tasked with developing a clear administrative and operational arrangement that will define the functions and responsibilities of both institutions.

They are also required to submit the framework, together with a report outlining all unresolved issues between TMA and TDC, to the President within 14 days.

The directive is part of efforts to end the institutional disagreement and establish a lasting framework for cooperation between the two bodies.

As part of the President’s decision, Mr Mahama has reaffirmed the Tema Metropolitan Assembly as the highest political and administrative authority within the Tema Metropolis.

He has consequently directed TDC Ghana Limited to recognise and operate within the Assembly’s constitutional and legal mandate, particularly on issues relating to spatial planning, development control, building permits, municipal services, rates, fees and other regulatory requirements.

The President, however, cautioned the TMA against abusing its regulatory powers.

He directed the Assembly to exercise its authority in a fair, transparent and lawful manner, stressing that its regulatory responsibilities should not be used arbitrarily to frustrate legitimate investments, development projects or the commercial activities of TDC.

President Mahama has also ordered both institutions to halt actions, public comments and media engagements that could further inflame tensions between them.

The proposed framework is expected to establish clear procedures for development permits, infrastructure planning and coordination, revenue and other financial obligations, information sharing and the resolution of future disagreements.

It will also provide for regular engagements between TMA and TDC to help prevent similar disputes from escalating.

President Mahama has warned that any further confrontation between the two institutions, including public attacks or failure to comply with his directive, will be treated as a serious matter.