Dr Frederick Appoh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), is spearheading an initiative to reclaim encroached lands belonging to the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), specifically focusing on the Graphic Road area in Accra and other affected zones.
Historically, the railway sector has suffered from encroachment, with significant portions of the “right of way” and underutilised railway yards being repurposed for private commercial developments, including warehouses.
These areas, particularly around Graphic Road and the broader “CMB Area,” have seen unauthorised structures established.
While the GRDA, acting in its capacity as owner and regulator, intends to reclaim these lands to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Accra–Nsawam line, persistent encroachment remains a challenge.
Dr Appoh has affirmed that the Authority is taking decisive steps and will collaborate with National Security to resolve these long-standing issues.
Speaking in an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he announced the establishment of a dedicated task force to oversee the recovery process.
Regarding the recovery efforts, Dr Appoh stated: “We have taken up the matter. We will establish a task force who will go around. We are working in collaboration with the National Coordinator to grant us security. We will take back the encroached space. The land belongs to the railway.”
He further warned that the GRDA would no longer tolerate the illegal occupation of its property.
Addressing the internal challenges of the organisation, he remarked: “The railway has lots of assets but most of our assets have been taken and when you examine the issues, you will realise some of our officials are involved in the grand schemes to have people encroach their assets.”
In light of these developments, the CEO cautioned traders and business owners along Kantamanto, CMB, Graphic Road, and adjoining areas that efforts are officially underway to rectify the situation.
He made it clear that those illegally occupying land would be removed and advised any business owners unsure of their status to engage with the authorities immediately if their authorisations are not up to date.
Dr Appoh also addressed the specific encroachment of the Achimota railway line, where land has been used for the construction of housing estates.
He revealed that while the asset register confirms the land remains the property of the GRDA, its transfer to private developers is a complex matter currently under investigation. These complications often involve historic dealings between officials from the Lands Commission and the railway sector.
In instances where investigations have uncovered evidence of officials participating in grand schemes to siphon off railway assets, the GRDA has taken formal action.
To ensure accountability and a thorough legal resolution, Dr Appoh confirmed that these matters have been referred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
