National Security operatives have taken control of the disputed China Mall project site in Koforidua in the Eastern Region after Chinese investors reportedly resumed construction works despite a stop-work order issued by Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) chaired by Eastern Regional Minister.
The ongoing China Mall project has been criticised over claims that it is being developed on a wetland, potentially affecting the area’s natural ecological function of retaining runoff water and increasing vulnerability to flooding.
Weeks ago, heavy rains caused flooding in the area, affecting homes, disrupting movement, and creating challenges for motorists and emergency services.
Ambulance vehicles that frequently use the stretch were reportedly forced to divert due to the flooded conditions, worsening vehicular congestion.
National Security Operatives stormed the project site on Saturday June 13, 2026 to pursue Chinese investors, but they escaped through backdoor and went into hiding.
Addressing journalists at the site, Eastern Regional Security Liaison Officer Francis Annoh Dompreh said all workers and labourers have been sacked from the premises to allow security agencies to secure the area.
“We came here and realised they were inside. We asked them to come out and leave the premises because we want to cordon off the area. If they refuse to come out, security will break in and arrest them for defying the orders of the Regional Minister, the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC),” he stated.
He stressed that Ghana operates under the rule of law and insisted that all developers must comply with regulatory and technical requirements.
“We are not in a banana state. Even if you want to do something, you are required to obtain permits and comply with technical advice before continuing with work,” he added.
The latest development comes after Chinese investors behind the China Mall project resumed construction despite an earlier directive by Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey to halt work over drainage and flooding concerns.
Documents intercepted by Starr News indicate that the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, had appealed to the Regional Minister to allow construction to continue while corrective drainage works are undertaken simultaneously.
In a letter titled “Appeal for Urgent Approval to Continue Work on the China Mall Project with Parallel Drainage Remediation,” the Traditional Authority acknowledged concerns over the drainage system behind the project and the bridge serving as a major water channel.
The letter noted that while recent flooding highlighted the need for urgent technical intervention, a prolonged suspension could result in severe financial losses for investors.
According to the investors, the project is contractually time-bound and delays are attracting penalties. They also indicated that construction materials already delivered to the site are deteriorating, while expatriate workers and operational expenses continue to accumulate despite the work stoppage.
The Omanhene therefore appealed for construction to continue under the supervision of relevant technical agencies while remediation works proceed.
The Traditional Authority further argued that such an arrangement would protect investor confidence in Koforidua and the Eastern Region while ensuring environmental and safety standards are maintained.
Sources indicate the Regional Minister has not officially responded to the appeal.
However, information gathered by Starr News suggests the Omanhene recently invited the Regional Minister and the New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive to a closed-door meeting at the palace over the matter.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
