The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has issued a strong public warning over the illegal sale and leasing of railway lands and buildings by unauthorised persons, particularly in the Western, Western North, and Ashanti Regions.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Dr. Frederick Appoh, who is acting on the directive of the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Authority has received credible reports indicating that some individuals, including former employees of the defunct Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), are unlawfully selling, leasing, and purporting to transfer interests in railway properties without any legal mandate.
The GRDA described these activities as illegal and a direct violation of the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779), as well as relevant provisions of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
Fraudulent Backdating of Documents
The Authority further disclosed that ongoing investigations have uncovered attempts by some perpetrators to fraudulently backdate documents and agreements in an effort to create the false impression that the transactions were legitimately executed before current restrictions or oversight measures came into effect.
The GRDA stressed in the statement dated July 29, that these fraudulent practices will not confer any legal rights or interests in railway lands or properties, adding that all such transactions are null and void in the eyes of the Authority.
“The Ghana Railway Development Authority categorically states that any sale, lease, or transfer of railway lands and buildings undertaken without its lawful authority is illegal and will not be recognised,” the statement emphasised.
The Authority also made it clear that it will not regularise any leases, sales, or property transactions originating from the erstwhile Ghana Railway Company Limited where such dealings were carried out without proper legal authority.
It noted that this position is consistent with the Presidential directive prohibiting the unauthorised sale or disposal of government lands and public assets.
The GRDA has therefore urged members of the public, prospective investors, developers, and businesses to exercise extreme caution when dealing with railway lands and buildings.
The Authority advised that no individual or private entity should purchase, lease, or enter into any agreement concerning railway property unless the transaction has been expressly authorised by the Ghana Railway Development Authority.
It warned that anyone who proceeds with unauthorised transactions does so entirely at his or her own risk and may suffer financial losses or legal consequences.
The GRDA disclosed that it is working closely with the appropriate state security and investigative institutions to identify all individuals involved in the illegal transactions.
The Authority assured the public that comprehensive investigations are underway and that all persons found culpable will face the full rigours of the law.
The GRDA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting state-owned railway assets and ensuring that public lands are managed transparently, lawfully, and in the national interest.
By Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey
