TDC, traditional council, youth dialogue over Meridian Hotel site

TDC Ghana Limited has engaged the Tema Traditional Council and the Tema Youth Association following concerns raised over ongoing redevelopment activities at the Meridian site in Community One, Tema.

The stakeholder meeting was convened to address issues related to the project, particularly cultural and traditional sensitivities associated with the land.

Speaking at the engagement, the President of the Tema Youth Association, Abraham Adjei Tawiah, articulated the concerns of the youth and traditional authorities, emphasising the need to preserve deities, sacred sites and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Management of TDC Ghana Ltd, led by its Managing Director, Courage Nunekpeku, assured the gathering of the company’s commitment to protecting Tema’s cultural heritage while pursuing orderly and sustainable development.

He explained that engagement was part of TDC’s broader efforts to promote inclusive dialogue, listen to stakeholder concerns, and identify amicable, lasting solutions that would balance development objectives with cultural preservation.

Mr Nunekpeku reaffirmed that the company’s position and commitment to transparency, continuous dialogue, and the balanced development of Tema.

The team later visited the site to assess the concerns raised and to work collaboratively with stakeholders towards a mutually acceptable resolution.

Background

On January 6, this year, a group of youth from Tema Manhean in the Greater Accra Region protested against the takeover and redevelopment of the defunct Tema Meridian Hotel site by a private developer.

The protesters expressed strong opposition to what they described as the “indiscriminate sale” of land they said held deep cultural and historical significance for the people of Tema.

During the protest, the youth stormed the site and destroyed portions of a wall constructed by the developer.

According to the protesters, the Meridian Hotel site represents the original settlement of the Tema people before their relocation to present-day Tema Manhean.

They argued that the area was not merely a commercial asset but a vital symbol of Tema’s heritage and identity, and that it must be preserved for future generations.