Greater Accra Regional Minister Engages Teshie Traditional Council on Financial Management Challenges

Introduction

In a pivotal meeting on December 3, 2025, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo convened with the Teshie Traditional Council to address pressing financial, infrastructural, and security challenges facing the community. The gathering, part of the Minister’s strategic tour of all 13 traditional councils in the region, brought together key stakeholders including Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, the local Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), security heads, and community representatives.

This engagement underscores a broader initiative to strengthen government-traditional leadership collaboration, improve community financial management, and accelerate development projects. The discussion highlighted urgent needs such as transportation, energy supply, security enhancement, and infrastructure completion, while reinforcing the importance of legal recognition in chieftaincy matters.

Analysis

Transport Infrastructure Shortfalls

A primary concern raised by Paramount Chief Akomfra III was the long-standing shortage of official transport for the Teshie Traditional Council. The absence of a dedicated bus has hindered the Council’s ability to conduct official business, engage with community members, and manage developmental initiatives effectively.

“We urgently need transport support,” emphasized the Chief. “The Council has been struggling for years without a bus, impacting operations and community engagements. We appeal to the Honourable Minister to help us acquire one.” The Minister responded positively, announcing that an anonymous benefactor had pledged to donate a bus by January 2026, offering immediate relief to the Council’s logistical challenges.

Electricity Supply and Transformer Deficits

Electrical outages plague sections of Teshie due to the absence of a functioning transformer, severely affecting households, small businesses, and overall quality of life. “Our people are suffering because we have no functioning transformer,” stated the Chief. “Businesses and homes are impacted, and the community is struggling.”

In response, Minister Ocloo committed to coordinating with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Energy Ministry to secure a new transformer, restore power, and mitigate economic losses. This intervention aligns with national efforts to improve energy infrastructure in urban and peri-urban areas.

Abandoned Landing Beach Project

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The derelict landing beach project was highlighted as both an economic and safety liability. Originally intended to support local fishermen, the unfinished structure has instead become a hazard, destroying canoes and claiming lives. “The landing beach was meant to be a blessing but has turned into a curse,” lamented the Chief.

Minister Ocloo pledged support for redesigning and completing the project, emphasizing its potential to revive the fishing community and create safe docking facilities. This commitment ties into broader coastal infrastructure development goals for the Greater Accra Region.

Security Challenges and Police Presence

Rising criminal activity prompted the Chief to request increased police visibility in Teshie. “Security concerns are growing, and we need more police presence to curb crimes and ensure citizens feel safe,” he stated. The Minister affirmed her dedication to enhancing security partnerships, urging the Council to report issues promptly and collaborate with law enforcement.

Chieftaincy Recognition and Legal Framework

Chieftaincy disputes remain a persistent issue across Greater Accra. The Paramount Chief clarified the legal position: “In Greater Accra, almost every traditional area is contested, but only gazetted chiefs are legally recognized. Disagreements must be resolved through the courts.” This reminder stresses the importance of adhering to Ghana’s chieftaincy laws, particularly **Act 759 of 2008**, which governs traditional leadership.

Summary

The meeting between the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Teshie Traditional Council produced several concrete outcomes:

• Bus Donation: An anonymous donor will provide a bus to the Teshie Traditional Council by January 2026.
• Electricity Restoration: Coordination with ECG and the Energy Ministry to replace the faulty transformer.
• Landing Beach Completion: Redesign and completion of the abandoned project to support fishermen.
• Enhanced Security: Increased police presence and improved reporting mechanisms.
• Chieftaincy Clarity: Emphasis on legal recognition of gazetted chiefs under Ghanaian law.

These commitments reflect a collaborative approach to addressing community development challenges and fostering peace, stability, and economic growth in Teshie.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Local Governments

Regional and municipal authorities should prioritize regular engagements with traditional leaders to identify and address infrastructure gaps early. Establishing clear protocols for project monitoring and fund allocation can prevent delays and ensure timely delivery.

For Traditional Councils

Adopt robust financial management systems, including transparent budgeting and audit processes. Document all infrastructure needs and maintain open communication channels with government agencies to expedite support.

For Community Members

Report security concerns promptly to local police and traditional authorities. Support community initiatives aimed at improving public infrastructure and economic opportunities.

Points of Caution

Risk of Delayed Interventions

Delaying infrastructure projects, such as the landing beach, can exacerbate safety risks and economic losses. Timely action is critical to prevent further incidents.

Chieftaincy Dispute Management

Engaging with non-gazetted chiefs may lead to legal complications. All official interactions should adhere to Ghana’s chieftaincy laws to avoid disputes and maintain order.

Dependency on External Funding

While donor support (e.g., the bus donation) is beneficial, councils should develop sustainable funding mechanisms to reduce long-term reliance on external assistance.

Comparison

Teshie vs. Other Greater Accra Councils

Teshie’s challenges mirror those of neighboring councils such as La and Nungua, where transport shortages and energy deficits are also prevalent. However, Teshie’s proactive engagement with the Regional Minister demonstrates a strategic approach to problem-solving, contrasting with councils that face delays due to poor communication or documentation.

Minister’s Engagement Model

Minister Ocloo’s systematic tour of all 13 traditional councils differentiates her tenure from previous administrations, which often prioritized urban centers over traditional institutions. This inclusive model fosters trust and accelerates development.

Legal Implications

Chieftaincy Recognition Under Ghanaian Law

Ghana’s **Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759)** establishes that only gazetted chiefs hold legal authority to represent traditional areas in official matters. Engaging with contested or non-gazetted chiefs may lead to:

• Legal disputes and invalidation of agreements.
• Fragmented community leadership and reduced development efficacy.
• Potential revocation of government support.

Therefore, all government interactions must verify the chief’s gazetted status to ensure compliance and maximize developmental impact.

Conclusion

The meeting between the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Teshie Traditional Council exemplifies effective stakeholder collaboration in addressing urgent developmental needs. By tackling transport, energy, security, and infrastructure challenges head-on, the partnership sets a benchmark for future engagements across the region. Continued dialogue, adherence to legal frameworks, and sustainable planning will be vital to preserving Teshie’s growth and stability in the coming years.

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