Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II
The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) to offer professional advice to city authorities and planners for the redevelopment of the central business district.
Speaking to the leadership of the Institute at his palace in Kaneshie on Wednesday during a courtesy visit, the Ga Mantse announced plans to redevelop the central business district, including Kantamanto, Agbogbloshie, and Rawlings Park, into a more viable city.
“I have received a number of investors, and we have discussed various issues. What we want to focus on is rebuilding the city. This includes areas like Kantamanto, Agbogbloshie, Rawlings Park, Marine Drive, the Community Centre, and the Enterprise Insurance enclave.
“It also includes the master plan for the redevelopment of the Korle Lagoon, extending all the way to the sea and the surrounding land,” he said.
Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II emphasized that input from the GIA would be crucial in ensuring the successful redevelopment of a viable city.
He urged the Institute to provide guidance when the time came.
“You will be greatly needed for advice when consultants are engaged to support the Ga Stool in achieving this,” he said.
The visit was aimed at introducing the new leadership of the Institute, who were sworn in this January, to the Ga Mantse and soliciting his support.
It also sought to establish a working partnership between the Institute and the traditional authorities to explore how best both entities could collaborate to enhance the city’s redevelopment.
Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II commended the Institute for its support of the Ga Traditional Council and himself over the past years.
Tony Asare, President of the GIA, assured the Ga Mantse of the Institute’s commitment to ensuring the successful redevelopment of the central business district.
He expressed concern about the rapid reconstruction of buildings and areas gutted by fire without proper analysis, which has hindered the country’s ability to redevelop such areas into smart, efficient cities.
“The situation has affected the country’s ability to redevelop these areas and cities at large,” he noted.
Asare said the engagement was part of efforts to involve traditional authorities, who are custodians of the land, in the redevelopment process.
“As architects, we know that we cannot develop without land, and the owners of the land are the chiefs and the families. Very few lands belong to the government,” he stressed.