Ghana Railway Development Authority cautions public against buying, leasing railway lands without approval
The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has cautioned the public against purchasing or leasing railway lands and buildings from individuals without official authorisation from the Authority.
The warning follows reports of alleged illegal sale and lease of railway properties in parts of the Western, Western North and Ashanti Regions by some individuals, including former employees of the defunct Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, the GRDA said the transactions were being carried out without the Authority’s approval and were in violation of laws governing the management and disposal of railway assets.
The Authority said the alleged activities contravene provisions of the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779), as well as the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
According to the GRDA, investigations have uncovered attempts by some individuals to backdate transaction documents in a bid to give the deals the appearance of legitimacy.
“The GRDA categorically states that such transactions are unlawful and will not be recognised by the Authority,” it said.
The Authority stressed that it would not regularise any lease agreements or transactions involving railway lands and buildings that were undertaken without the necessary approvals.
It added that such dealings also violate government directives regarding the disposal of public lands and state assets.
The GRDA has therefore urged members of the public to conduct due diligence and 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,” the Authority cautioned.
The GRDA said it is working with relevant state institutions to investigate the alleged illegal activities and will pursue legal action against individuals found culpable.
It reiterated that only transactions officially approved by the Authority will be considered valid.