National Security operatives have taken control of the controversial China Mall project site in Koforidua following reports that Chinese investors resumed construction activities despite a stop-work directive issued by the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The directive, issued under the authority of the Eastern Regional Minister, required developers to halt all construction works and implement critical drainage infrastructure, including storm drains and a culvert, before any further development could continue.
The China Mall project has attracted widespread criticism amid concerns that the development is being undertaken on a wetland area. Environmental and community stakeholders have argued that construction on the site could compromise its natural ability to retain runoff water, thereby increasing the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
The concerns gained prominence following recent heavy rains that caused severe flooding in the area. The flooding affected homes, disrupted transportation, and created significant challenges for motorists and emergency response services.
Residents have expressed frustration over the recurring flooding, blaming inadequate drainage and ongoing construction activities for worsening conditions in the area.
The situation reportedly forced ambulance services that frequently use the stretch to seek alternative routes, contributing to traffic congestion and delays.
Addressing journalists during an inspection of the site, Eastern Regional Security Liaison Officer Francis Annoh Dompreh stressed that Ghana remains a country governed by the rule of law and that all developers, regardless of their status, must comply with established regulatory and technical requirements.
According to him, the authorities will not permit any construction activities that threaten public safety or disregard official directives aimed at mitigating environmental risks.
Mr. Dompreh further announced that the China Mall project site has been declared a security zone and a no-go area until further notice.
He warned that any individual found undertaking construction work on the site in violation of the directive would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Chinese investors and their Ghanaian partners have appealed to the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, to intervene and engage the Eastern Regional Minister to allow construction works to continue while drainage remediation measures are carried out simultaneously.
In a petition submitted to the traditional authority, the developers acknowledged that the recent flooding highlighted the urgent need for technical interventions. However, they argued that a prolonged suspension of the project could result in substantial financial losses.
The investors maintained that the project is governed by strict contractual timelines and that continued delays are attracting financial penalties. They further indicated that construction materials already delivered to the site are deteriorating, while the cost of maintaining expatriate workers and other operational expenses continues to rise despite the suspension of active construction activities.
