The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has cautioned the public against purchasing or leasing railway lands and buildings from individuals without official approval from the Authority.
The warning follows reports of alleged illegal sale and lease of railway properties in the Western, Western North and Ashanti Regions by some individuals, including former employees of the erstwhile Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL).
In a public notice, the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Dr Frederick Appoh, said the transactions were being conducted without the Authority’s approval and were in breach of laws governing railway assets.
He explained that such activities violate provisions of the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779), and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
According to the GRDA, investigations have revealed attempts by some individuals to backdate transaction documents in an effort to make the deals appear legitimate.
“The GRDA categorically states that such transactions are unlawful and will not be recognised by the Authority,” the notice stated.
The Authority said it would not regularise any lease agreements or transactions involving railway lands and buildings that were undertaken without the required approvals.
It added that the activities also contravene government directives on the disposal of public lands and state assets.
The GRDA has therefore urged members of the public to verify with the Authority before entering into any transaction involving railway properties.
“Any person who engages in such unauthorised transactions does so entirely at his or her own risk,” it cautioned.
The Authority said it is collaborating with relevant state institutions to investigate the alleged illegal activities and will take legal action against persons found culpable.
The GRDA reiterated that only transactions officially authorised by the Authority will be recognised.
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