The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has raised concern over the unauthorised destruction of trees in the metropolis, warning that continued loss of the city’s green cover could worsen environmental pressures associated with its industrial and port activities.
The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Ebi Bright, said trees across the city served as an important environmental buffer against pollution and other effects associated with Tema’s concentration of industrial and port operations.
She said the Assembly recently discovered that at least 10 trees had been felled at the Meridian Enclave by an unidentified developer without a permit or prior engagement with the authorities.
Madam Bright described the incident as criminal and said it reflected a wider challenge of unauthorised activities and disregard for the metropolis’ environmental and regulatory requirements.
She made the remarks when she led a team to inspect the affected site.
“These are the things that make sure that we are safe. When you remove them, essentially what you are doing is cutting our lives short,” she said.
The MCE explained that trees in Tema were not planted solely for aesthetic purposes but were deliberately provided in various parts of the city to help manage the environmental impact of its industrial character.
She said the trees helped clean the air, regulate temperatures and improve overall environmental conditions, making their protection a public health and environmental priority.
Madam Bright said the Assembly was facing numerous unauthorised activities across the city, making enforcement increasingly difficult because of their frequency and scale.
She therefore urged residents, businesses and developers to familiarise themselves with the city’s environmental and planning requirements and engage the Assembly before undertaking activities that could affect public spaces or the environment.
She stressed that the necessary permits must be obtained before trees were removed or developments undertaken in areas under the Assembly’s jurisdiction.
The MCE said Tema’s environmental concerns were not limited to tree loss, noting that unregulated development was also contributing to the degradation of drainage and sewer infrastructure.
According to her, some unauthorised developments had interfered with public utility infrastructure, creating additional environmental and sanitation problems for communities.
Madam Bright appealed to residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Assembly to protect Tema’s trees, public spaces and other environmental assets.
She said preserving the city’s natural infrastructure was essential to sustaining a safer and healthier environment for residents amid the pressures associated with its industrial and port activities.
