The management of Metro Mass Transit (MMT) has declared a no-retreat stance against a private developer accused of encroaching on its strategic Opera Square terminal, a vital hub for public transportation in the capital.

The dispute has escalated into a public confrontation following claims that the developer is constructing unauthorised facilities on MMT land, threatening the government’s imminent plans to retool the nation's public transport system.

Addressing a news conference in Accra, MMT’s Traffic Operations Manager, Ebenezer Marfo, expressed shock at the developer's activities, which he claims were carried out without any consultation or recourse to the company.

According to Mr Marfo, the situation took a criminal turn when staff arrived at the terminal to find a company office structure had been reduced to rubble. He attributed the destruction to the private entity involved in the land dispute. Furthermore, he alleged that the developer has been fast-tracking structural work during "late-night and early-morning hours" to bypass scrutiny.

“As appointees, we cannot sit down unconcerned,” Mr Marfo stated, adding that the company would pursue all legitimate means to defend its assets.

The encroachment comes at a critical juncture for the MMT. The government has announced the arrival of 300 new buses next month as part of a proposed 24-hour public transport system. The Opera Square terminal is a cornerstone of this expansion.

Mr Marfo warned that the private development now threatens the eastern side of the terminal, where company officials are currently stationed. He noted that the stance was consistent with the President's directives to prevent the capture of state assets and land by private individuals.

The dispute is not new. MMT previously sought redress at the High Court, where the presiding judge advised an out-of-court settlement. However, the continued encroachment has forced management to take a firmer public stance to safeguard the majority-state-owned entity.

The ownership structure of MMT underlines its status as a critical national asset, with the government of Ghana holding shares of 45% and NIB, ADB, SIC Insurance, Prudential Bank, and GLICO having the rest.

Mr Marfo highlighted that this combined structure means the government and state-related institutions hold the majority stake, making any private takeover an assault on the public interest.

The MMT management is now calling on workers, stakeholders, and the general public to support their efforts to protect the terminal.

While the company continues to pursue "lawful and institutional processes", the message to the developer remains clear: state properties will be protected for their intended operational use.