Tema: The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has outlined measures to improve its performance in the 2026 District Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT) following a below-average score in 2024. Madam Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), stated that the assembly scored 35 percent in the 2024 assessment, which was below the national average of 36 percent. This resulted in a reduced grant allocation of GHS1.26 million.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Bright announced these details during her sessional address at the Third Ordinary Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Assembly of the TMA. She highlighted that Tema West Municipal Assembly, which was separated from the TMA a few years ago, scored 39, while Kpone-Katamanso scored 39, Adentan scored 43, and Krowor Municipal scored 47.
Madam Bright expressed concern over the consequences of the below-average performance, noting that due to Tema's failure to meet the pass mark, the assembly received a total allocation of only GHS1.26 million. In contrast, Krowor Municipal, located within Greater Accra, received GHS10.09 million, which was significantly higher due to their better performance unlocking additional grants. This shortfall, she noted, meant that funds which could have been used for community projects were lost.
She emphasized that TMA's performance in the DPAT is the baseline her administration inherited, and she stressed the importance of changing this trajectory. The outcome reinforced the need to strengthen institutional systems, data management, documentation, and civic engagement.
Madam Bright outlined that the assembly would prioritize statutory compliance, record-keeping, citizen participation, and performance reporting as part of its 2026 Annual Action Plan. The aim is not only to meet the DPAT threshold but also to position Tema as one of the best-performing metropolitan assemblies in the country.
She further noted that Tema, known as Ghana's premier industrial city and home to the nation's largest port, should not continue to perform below the national average. Madam Bright emphasized the need for Tema to set the pace for the nation, rather than being outperformed by assemblies with fewer resources.
Looking ahead to 2026, the focus will be on strengthening the fundamentals, improving compliance with statutory reporting requirements, and investing in documentation and record-keeping. Civic engagement will also be a priority, as the DPAT measures how well assemblies involve citizens in their planning and decision-making processes.
Madam Bright concluded by stating that the goal is not merely to cross the pass mark threshold, but to be among the best-performing metropolitan assemblies in Ghana, a standard she believes Tema deserves.