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. And what we want to look at is to rebuild 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 all the way to the sea and the land around it,” he said.
Nii Teiko Tsuru II said inputs from the GIA would be crucial in ensuring that a viable city was redeveloped.
He urged the Institute to provide advice when the time came.
“You will be greatly needed for advice when consultants are engaged, to support the Ga Stool to achieve this,” he said.
The visit was aimed at introducing the new leadership of the Institute, who were sworn in January this year, to the Ga Mantse and soliciting his support.
It was also to establish a working partnership between the Institute and the traditional authorities to explore how best both bodies could collaborate to enhance the city’s redevelopment.
Nii Teiko Tsuru II commended the Institute for its support to the Ga Traditional Council and himself over the past years.
Mr. Tony Asare, President of the GIA, assured the Ga Mantse of the Institute’s support to ensure the redevelopment of Central Business District.
He expressed concern about the rapid reconstruction of buildings and areas gutted by fire without proper analysis, which had affected 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.
Mr. 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.
GNA
