GRDA warns public against buying, leasing railway lands without approval

The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has issued a strong warning to the public against purchasing, leasing or entering into any transaction involving railway lands and buildings without prior approval from the Authority, following reports of alleged illegal sales in parts of the country.

The caution comes after the GRDA uncovered alleged unauthorised transactions involving railway properties in the Western, Western North and Ashanti regions. According to the Authority, some individuals, including former employees of the defunct Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), have allegedly been selling and leasing railway lands and buildings without legal authority.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, the GRDA stressed that the reported transactions were carried out without its approval and therefore have no legal standing.

The Authority explained that the alleged activities violate the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779) and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which regulate the management, protection and disposal of state-owned railway assets.

According to the GRDA, investigations have also uncovered attempts by some individuals to backdate transaction documents in an effort to make the illegal deals appear legitimate.

"The GRDA categorically states that such transactions are unlawful and will not be recognised by the Authority," the statement said.

The Authority made it clear that it will not regularise any lease agreements, sales or other transactions involving railway lands and buildings that were executed without its official approval.

It further noted that such unauthorised dealings also breach existing government directives governing the disposal and management of public lands and state assets.

The GRDA emphasised that only transactions processed and approved through the appropriate legal procedures will be considered valid.

To prevent financial losses and legal disputes, the Authority urged prospective buyers, tenants and investors to exercise due diligence before entering into any agreement involving railway properties.

Members of the public have been advised to verify the ownership and status of any railway land or building directly with the GRDA before making payments or signing agreements.

"Any person who engages in such unauthorised transactions does so entirely at his or her own risk," the Authority cautioned.

The GRDA disclosed that it is collaborating with relevant state institutions to investigate the alleged illegal sale and lease of railway properties.

It warned that individuals found to have engaged in fraudulent or unauthorised transactions involving railway assets will face legal action in accordance with Ghana's laws.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to protecting public railway assets and ensuring that all transactions relating to railway lands and buildings are conducted transparently and in compliance with the law.