Eastern Regional Security Council Shuts Down China Mall Project in Koforidua Over Flooding Concerns
The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered the immediate shutdown of the multi-million-cedi China Mall construction project in Koforidua to protect public safety and prevent further damage to municipal infrastructure.
The directive was issued on Friday, May 22, 2026, following repeated complaints about severe artificial flooding caused by the project, which has disrupted major transportation routes in the New Juaben South Municipality.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, personally led a team of heavily armed police officers and senior drainage engineers from the Regional Urban Roads Department to the site, located opposite Newlands Hospital at the Kenkey Factory area near the busy Dadis Bar traffic intersection.
During a recent heavy downpour, the construction site was overwhelmed, causing large volumes of floodwater to spill onto the main dual carriageway. This resulted in severe traffic disruption and left many pedestrians and motorists stranded, raising serious safety concerns.
This marks the third time authorities have been forced to halt construction on the project due to the developers’ alleged failure to comply with previous directives. The developers had been instructed to construct adequate high-capacity drainage systems and culverts to manage stormwater before erecting vertical structures.
The controversial project, which began in early 2025, has created growing tension between local residents, environmental advocates, and municipal authorities. Critics accuse the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly and the Regional Coordinating Council of regulatory lapses, particularly for allowing construction in a sensitive riparian zone.
Confronting the situation on site, Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey ordered an immediate and complete suspension of all construction activities. She directed the regional police command to deploy personnel to the site to enforce the order, warning that any violation would attract severe sanctions.
The Minister instructed the developers to collaborate with engineers from the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly and the Urban Roads Department to rectify all structural and drainage deficiencies before any further work can be approved.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
