Turn Five Beach area into economic hub …TYA urges TMA

The Tema Youth Association (TYA) has called on the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) to attract investors and strategic development partners to transform the Five Beach enclave into a modern economic hub capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth within the metropolis.

According to the association, redeveloping the coastal enclave would diversify economic activities beyond traditional fishing-related occupations while positioning Tema as a more vibrant commercial and tourism destination.

In a letter dated August 3, 2026, and signed by its President, Abraham Adjei Tawia, the association said the Five Beach area possesses enormous untapped potential that could be harnessed through strategic public-private partnerships and targeted investment.

The TYA argued that developing the enclave into a modern commercial, tourism and recreational centre would generate decent jobs for young people, attract new businesses and significantly improve the local economy.

The association noted that while many residents currently depend on fishing-related activities such as fish drying, fish processing and net mending, broader investment could create employment opportunities in hospitality, retail, tourism, entertainment and other service industries.

The association also praised the Tema Metropolitan Assembly for its ongoing Tema Facelift Campaign, describing the initiative as a bold effort to restore the city's image, orderliness and attractiveness.

It particularly commended the Assembly for removing unauthorised structures along the Tema Fishing Harbour beachfront, describing the exercise as a necessary intervention to address long-standing challenges affecting sanitation, safety and urban planning.

According to the association, the campaign reflects the Assembly's commitment to restoring Tema's status as one of Ghana's most organised and well-planned cities.

The TYA further pledged its support for initiatives promoting environmental sanitation, community development and youth empowerment, stressing that collaboration between residents and the Assembly remains essential to building a cleaner and more prosperous city.

Speaking on the exercise, the Public Relations Officer of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Frank Asante, explained that the Tema Facelift Campaign, themed "Organised Spaces, Fair Opportunities to All," seeks to restore the planned character of the metropolis while creating orderly environments for businesses and residents.

He emphasised that the campaign is not intended to deprive anyone of their livelihood but rather to ensure that commercial activities take place in clean, safe and well-organised spaces.

According to him, the Assembly is working to balance urban development with the economic needs of residents by creating structured environments where businesses can operate under improved sanitary and safety conditions.

"Our objective is not to take away people's livelihoods but to ensure they conduct their businesses in organised spaces that offer fairness, safety and improved hygiene," he explained.

Mr. Asante disclosed that the removal of structures along the Fishing Harbour beachfront forms part of the enforcement of designated security zones within the broader redevelopment programme.

He explained that the Assembly placed a moratorium on issuing temporary permits for structures in the area on July 21, 2025, meaning any structure erected after that date is considered unauthorised.

The ongoing enforcement exercise targets structures obstructing public roads, schools, utility installations and other critical public infrastructure across the metropolis.

He noted that similar operations have already been undertaken in locations including Community Four, where artisans operating in public spaces were relocated to more appropriate sites.

The Assembly also indicated that the intervention seeks to address longstanding sanitation and security concerns associated with unregulated activities around the Fishing Harbour.

Mr. Asante assured residents that authorities will continue engaging affected individuals throughout the exercise to minimise disruptions and safeguard livelihoods while implementing the city's redevelopment agenda.

The Tema Youth Association believes that if redevelopment efforts are complemented with strategic investment in the Five Beach enclave, the area could become a major economic and tourism destination that creates lasting employment opportunities and contributes significantly to Tema's long-term growth and development.