The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Ms Ebi Bright, has unveiled an ambitious development blueprint aimed at turning the industrial city into a model for economic transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Delivering her maiden sessional address at the General Assembly meeting of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), Ms Bright laid out a comprehensive agenda that goes beyond infrastructure — positioning Tema as a key player in Ghana’s national policy ambitions, from the 24-Hour Economy to digital inclusion and export-driven industrialisation.
At the heart of her vision is a plan to transform Tema into a flagship hub for Ghana’s **24-Hour Economy**, a policy designed to increase productivity and create decent jobs. According to Ms Bright, Tema is already showing strong signs of readiness, with institutions like the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the TDC Company Limited already running 24-hour operations.
“Imagine markets that never sleep, businesses operating in shifts, and youth finding employment at all hours. This isn’t a dream—it’s happening now,” she said.
But beyond extended working hours, Ms Bright’s address painted a bigger picture: a thriving metropolis powered by digital training, upgraded infrastructure, export competitiveness, and youth empowerment.
She highlighted efforts under the **Accelerated Export and Industrialisation Programme**, noting Tema’s unique advantage in logistics and manufacturing. The MCE said targeted support in agro-processing, light industry, and logistics would be bolstered by training and investment opportunities from GEPA, GIPC, and the Ghana Free Zones Authority.
“TEMA will become the final export hub of the Volta Economic Corridor. Products from across the region will flow through our efficient systems, creating jobs and restoring our industrial pride,” she said.
Ms Bright also shared updates on key infrastructure plans under the **\$10 billion Big Push Programme**, which will see massive upgrades to urban roads, schools, health facilities — including Tema General Hospital — and sewage and drainage systems. These, she said, will improve living standards and stimulate local economic growth.
A notable highlight of her address was the **digital transformation agenda**. Tema, she noted, is being positioned as a regional hub for technology and digital skills training under the One Million Coders Programme. The refurbished Golden Jubilee Youth Resource Centre will soon serve as a centre for coding, AI, and digital literacy, complemented by computer labs in schools and youth centres.
Complementing this is a renewed focus on **technical and vocational education**. Through the National Apprenticeship Programme and in partnership with COTVET, NYA, and YEA, the TMA aims to equip youth with skills for self-employment and industrial roles, tapping into Tema’s growing economy.
Support for **entrepreneurship** is also central to her plan. Over 1,000 MSMEs and youth-led startups are expected to benefit from training, registration support, and financing under partnerships with the Ghana Enterprises Agency and Business Advisory Centre.
On agriculture, Ms Bright pledged to scale up flagship national programmes such as **Feed Ghana, Edwumawura**, and the **24-Hour Economy** to reach more young people and vulnerable groups, with specific attention to livestock, fisheries, and urban gardening to ensure food security.
“I have been charged to coordinate and see to the success of these flagship programmes. We are setting up a dedicated desk to ensure their success,” she said, emphasizing that agricultural expansion will also prioritize market and backyard gardening initiatives to maximize limited urban land use.
Ms Bright concluded by positioning Tema’s development agenda as a **holistic transformation strategy**, combining national priorities with local action. From roads to technology, from food security to exports, and from job creation to climate resilience, the MCE said Tema is ready to reclaim its place as Ghana’s industrial and innovation capital.
“This is more than governance; it’s a collective journey toward a prosperous, dynamic, and inclusive city,” she added.
