The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has engaged residents of Communities Four and Seven in the Horticultural Electoral Area on the government’s plan to refurbish the Tema ICT Youth Centre into a “Hope Centre.”
The proposed facility, to be developed in collaboration with the international humanitarian organisation, Mercy Ships, will serve as a centre for the provision of free specialised surgical care for patients with complex medical conditions.
Addressing the residents, Madam Ebi Bright, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said Mercy Ships operates globally by providing free surgical services to patients who are unable to afford treatment, often conducting procedures aboard its hospital ships before reintegrating patients into their communities.
She explained that the selection of the ICT Youth Centre site was influenced by its proximity to the Tema Harbour and its prolonged underutilisation.
“Because the harbour is in Tema and the ICT Youth Centre has not been in active use for years, the site was considered suitable for this intervention,” she stated.
Madam Bright assured residents that the project would not deprive the community of the entire open space.
“This is not to take away the whole park from the community. After the project, the facility will also serve the people,” she said.
She reiterated her commitment to protecting public spaces, stressing that the assembly would not allow the complete loss of the area’s remaining green belt.
“Under my leadership, protecting public space is a priority. We will ensure that encroached portions of the park are reclaimed and added back to the property,” she added.
The MCE disclosed that the project is expected to commence within a few weeks and would take between five and nine months to complete.
She said that by the end of the period, the Mercy Ships initiative would be fully operational in Ghana, after which the facility would be officially handed over to the assembly for continued use.
The engagement formed part of the assembly’s efforts to address concerns raised by residents and to ensure transparency in the implementation of the project.
GNA
