The Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has reaffirmed the suspension of construction works on the Koforidua China Mall project, insisting that development at the site will not resume until critical drainage recommendations are fully implemented.
The directive was reiterated during a high-level stakeholder meeting held in Koforidua on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where officials reviewed concerns surrounding the project’s compliance with engineering and environmental requirements.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Department of Urban Roads, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the project’s investors.
Mrs. Awatey acknowledged the potential economic benefits of the shopping mall, noting that the project could help transform Koforidua into a major commercial centre while creating employment opportunities for residents.
However, she stressed that development must not come at the expense of public safety.
According to the Minister, recommendations made by the investors’ own consultant, Engineer Mark Nyameche, included the construction of a rectangular concrete-lined drainage channel along the main stream bordering the site, with provisions for dry-weather water flow.
The consultant also advised that an existing upstream box culvert be replaced with a 2-metre by 2-metre culvert in accordance with Ghana Highway Authority standards.
Mrs. Awatey expressed concern that the investors had failed to implement the technical recommendations despite repeated directives from authorities.
“Until the drains are done, works on the shopping mall remain stalled,” she stated.
Concerns about the project first emerged last year when residents of Nkubem and Daasebre Estate raised fears that the development could worsen flooding in the area.
In response, the Regional Minister conducted inspections alongside state regulatory and compliance agencies and subsequently urged the developers to adhere strictly to engineering and environmental guidance, particularly because the project site is located on a wetland.
Despite those concerns and recommendations, authorities revealed that the project is now approximately 90 per cent complete without the required drainage systems and culvert upgrades.
The Regional Minister maintained that the suspension will remain in force until all outstanding drainage works are completed to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and protect lives and property from potential flood risks.
