How to resolve AdBlock issue? Theft of Railway Bars Disrupts Operations on Achimota-Nsawam Stretch
Wednesday, 04 December 2024 | Ghana
Sections of the railway bars along the Achimota-Nsawam railway line in the Greater Accra Region have been stolen by unknown individuals, causing a significant disruption to railway operations. Residents along the affected stretch reported witnessing the activities of about twenty men equipped with tools systematically dismantling sections of the railway infrastructure.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the perpetrators operated in two shifts, with one group carrying out their activities at midnight and another following early in the morning around 6 a.m. Residents who confronted the individuals were told that they were acting on "authority from above." On one occasion, the group reportedly arrived accompanied by police officers, making it difficult for locals to intervene. A resident recounted that when they inquired further, the men claimed they had been sent by Flagstaff House and even presented what appeared to be a document from the office of the president to justify their actions.
The theft reportedly occurred on four separate occasions, and despite repeated attempts by locals to stop the perpetrators, they were unable to halt the operation. Frustration among the residents has grown, with many questioning the legitimacy of the claims made by the thieves and the apparent lack of action by authorities to protect the infrastructure.
The financial impact of the theft has been described as substantial. Deputy Minister for Railway Development, Kwaku Asante-Boateng, noted that replacing the stolen railway bars would cost the state approximately $5 million per kilometer. The Achimota-Nsawam stretch, which has been operational for over a century since its construction during colonial rule, had recently undergone renovation. The theft not only undermines the government’s investment in modernizing Ghana’s railway infrastructure but has also left the railway line unusable, disrupting transport services and affecting commuters.
The situation has raised significant concerns about the security of public infrastructure in Ghana. The ability of the thieves to operate repeatedly and, in some cases, under the alleged protection of law enforcement officers highlights gaps in oversight and enforcement. Residents have called on the government and law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. They have also urged the authorities to implement stronger security measures along the railway lines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Achimota-Nsawam railway line plays a critical role in Ghana’s transportation network. Addressing the issue promptly is essential not only to restore operations but also to reassure citizens about the government’s commitment to safeguarding public assets. The theft underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the systems in place to protect critical infrastructure and ensure their integrity for public use.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the perpetrators operated in two shifts, with one group carrying out their activities at midnight and another following early in the morning around 6 a.m. Residents who confronted the individuals were told that they were acting on "authority from above." On one occasion, the group reportedly arrived accompanied by police officers, making it difficult for locals to intervene. A resident recounted that when they inquired further, the men claimed they had been sent by Flagstaff House and even presented what appeared to be a document from the office of the president to justify their actions.
The theft reportedly occurred on four separate occasions, and despite repeated attempts by locals to stop the perpetrators, they were unable to halt the operation. Frustration among the residents has grown, with many questioning the legitimacy of the claims made by the thieves and the apparent lack of action by authorities to protect the infrastructure.
The financial impact of the theft has been described as substantial. Deputy Minister for Railway Development, Kwaku Asante-Boateng, noted that replacing the stolen railway bars would cost the state approximately $5 million per kilometer. The Achimota-Nsawam stretch, which has been operational for over a century since its construction during colonial rule, had recently undergone renovation. The theft not only undermines the government’s investment in modernizing Ghana’s railway infrastructure but has also left the railway line unusable, disrupting transport services and affecting commuters.
The situation has raised significant concerns about the security of public infrastructure in Ghana. The ability of the thieves to operate repeatedly and, in some cases, under the alleged protection of law enforcement officers highlights gaps in oversight and enforcement. Residents have called on the government and law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. They have also urged the authorities to implement stronger security measures along the railway lines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Achimota-Nsawam railway line plays a critical role in Ghana’s transportation network. Addressing the issue promptly is essential not only to restore operations but also to reassure citizens about the government’s commitment to safeguarding public assets. The theft underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the systems in place to protect critical infrastructure and ensure their integrity for public use.