The Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, on Friday, April 11, 2025, ordered a temporary suspension of construction works on the China Mall project located at Kenkey Factory, a suburb of Koforidua.
The directive follows growing concerns and petitions from residents, who claim that ongoing construction activities are contributing to severe flooding in the area.
According to the Minister, the suspension will allow for a thorough environmental assessment to determine the project’s impact and identify appropriate mitigation measures. She noted that flooding poses serious threats, including the destruction of property, potential loss of life, infrastructure damage, and the spread of waterborne diseases.
Mrs. Awatey underscored the need to prioritize the safety and welfare of residents, stressing that economic development must not come at the expense of human lives and community well-being.
While acknowledging the potential economic benefits of the completed mall , such as job creation and increased commercial activity, she insisted that developers must ensure their projects do not endanger the public.
The Minister’s intervention seeks to strike a balance between development and safety, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the China Mall project proceeds responsibly and in the interest of the local community.