2020 Railway Masterplan: Public Told To Vacate Railway Lands And Properties

The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has issued a warning to the general public to refrain from encroaching on any of its existing properties.

Officials have issued a demand for an immediate evacuation of all facilities, lands, and right of ways, among other things, emphasising that "persons occupying railway properties should cease"

This comes as a result of the recently completed project known as the 2020 Railway Masterplan, which aims to modernise Ghana's rail network.

It includes a 3,800-kilometer rail network that is going to be built over a period of 15 years, between the years 2020 and 2035, and it is to be completed in 2035.

Dr. Martin Ayanowe, Board Chairman of the GRDA, made these remarks at a stakeholder workshop that was conducted in Kumasi on Thursday, July 20, 2023. He stated that the authority has begun the steps with key state agencies to guarantee that GRDA assets are properly preserved.

He told those who refused to comply, "They should know that the law will come after them in due course," and they listened.

In addition to this, he admonished the general populace to report the perpetrators of the crimes as well as to demonstrate patriotism by safeguarding, defending, and documenting any type of abuse in relation to the revitalization of the railway network.

In continuation of this exhortation, he admonished the Ghanaian people to "cultivate the spirit of ownership and stewardship of the new and existing railway infrastructure that the government is investing in." Everyone in Ghana ought to share responsibility for, and interest in, the country's railway infrastructure.

Desmond Boateng, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Railway Development, provided a response to a query on the theft of rails by stating that the industry is well aware of the problem.

He did, however, note that the Ministry is currently appealing for parliamentary clearance for the removal of all old lines for further development as a way to handle the situation. This is being done so that additional growth can take place.

The Chief Director also issued a warning that those discovered engaging in such criminal activity will be subject to prosecution.

As they are now in the process of reconstructing the railway network, the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Mr. Yaw Owusu, highlighted the encroachment of right of way as a major cause for concern.

The removal of rails from the right of way has made it possible for persons to inhabit such regions, and it is important to note that the cost of recovering such lands is highly high for the purpose of property acquisition.

He characterised the situation as being extremely unsettling and consequently issued a plea to all Ghanaians, and especially Chiefs, to assist in the protection of the right of ways by ensuring that individuals do not trespass on them.