The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered an immediate halt to the multi-million-cedi China Mall construction project in Koforidua, located in the New Juaben South Municipality. This decisive action, taken on Friday, 22 May 2026, follows repeated instances of severe flooding caused by the development, which has disrupted transportation and raised public safety concerns. The intervention was personally led by the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey.
Context of the Flooding Incident
The construction site, situated near the Kenkey Factory area and the Dadis Bar traffic intersection, experienced a significant environmental disaster following a recent heavy downpour. The site’s inadequate drainage infrastructure became overwhelmed, resulting in a massive surge of floodwater onto the main dual carriageway. This deluge brought traffic to a complete standstill and left pedestrians stranded, forcing motorists to navigate hazardous conditions.
REGSEC Intervention and Previous Directives
This is the third time authorities have suspended work on the massive commercial project. Previous directives mandated that the developers install high-capacity drainage networks and subterranean culverts to manage stormwater flow before commencing vertical construction. However, the developers have allegedly failed to comply with these binding orders.
The controversial project, which began construction in early 2025, has been a source of ongoing friction. Local residents and environmental advocates have accused the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly and the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council of regulatory negligence, citing the approval of construction within a natural riparian zone.
Minister’s Stance and Enforcement Measures
Confronting the developers on-site, Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey issued a stern warning. She ordered the immediate cessation of all construction activities and directed the regional police command to post personnel at the site to ensure strict compliance. Any breach of the suspension order will result in severe legal sanctions.
Minister Awatey instructed the developers to collaborate with engineering teams from the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly and the Urban Roads Department. The focus must be on rectifying all outstanding structural and hydraulic engineering failures and completing the required drainage infrastructure. Administrative clearance for construction to resume will only be considered after these critical issues are resolved.
Implications for the Region and Future Outlook
The halt of the China Mall project underscores the critical importance of adhering to environmental and construction regulations, especially in flood-prone areas. It signals a firmer stance by regional authorities against developments that compromise public safety and municipal infrastructure.
For the residents of Koforidua, this action offers a degree of relief from the recurring flooding that has disrupted daily life and posed safety risks. It also raises questions about the oversight mechanisms in place for large-scale developments within the municipality.
Moving forward, the focus will be on whether the developers can meet the stringent engineering requirements set forth by REGSEC. The effectiveness of the enforcement measures and the collaboration between developers and municipal engineers will be key indicators of the project’s future. Observers will also be watching for potential policy changes or enhanced regulatory scrutiny for future construction projects in sensitive areas within the Eastern Region.
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