The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has warned the public against purchasing or leasing railway lands and buildings from individuals without official approval from the Authority.

The warning follows reports of alleged illegal sale and lease of railway properties in the Western, Western North and Ashanti Regions by some individuals, including former employees of the erstwhile Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL).

In a public notice, the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Dr Frederick Appoh, said the transactions are being carried out without the Authority’s approval and violate relevant laws governing railway assets.

He said the activities contravene the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779), and applicable provisions of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

According to the GRDA, investigations have uncovered attempts by some individuals to backdate transaction documents to create an impression of legitimacy.

“The GRDA categorically states that such transactions are unlawful and will not be recognised by the Authority,” the notice stated.

The Authority said it will not regularise any leases or agreements involving railway lands and buildings where such transactions were undertaken without lawful approval.

It added that such actions also conflict with existing government directives regarding the disposal of public lands and assets.

The GRDA has therefore urged members of the public to 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 take legal action against persons found culpable.

The Authority reiterated that only transactions duly authorised by the Ghana Railway Development Authority will be recognised.