Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu has called for public support to protect railway assets from destruction and theft.

According to him, there has been a rise in theft of railway assets in recent times, a situation which is costing the nation millions of cedis.

Mr. Amewu believes this will undermine the efforts of the government in reviving the sector.

He made the appeal after touring some project sites in the Western Region including the 22 Kilometers Kojokrom to Awaso and other parts of the region.

As the country moves towards standard gauge lanes for its railway projects, there are still efforts by the government to protect the old lines.

This will facilitate the hauling of some commodities from farmlands to the ports and factories.

The tour by the Minister for Railways was aimed at engaging workers on the field and to get firsthand information about some of the projects, like the Kojokrom to Tarkwa and other parts of the country.

According to him, the destruction and stealing of railway scraps and other materials along the old lines pose a threat to the country.

“I’m raising the concern because it has become a very disturbing phenomenon, increasing in our industry and I think the workers themselves know where these properties and lines are; and are in a better position to help us curtail this.”

“Like I was telling the people at the workshop yesterday, we need their support to curtail it [stealing of railway assets], else it is becoming a security threat” he said.

Welcoming the Minister to the location workshop in Takoradi, General Secretary of the Railway Workers Union, Godwill Ntammah appealed to the Minister to improve collaboration with the security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators.

He charged him to ensure that all offenders are prosecuted accordingly.

“The assets belong to the state, so if any railway workers are caught in the process, let’s take them to court and deal with them according to the law. Let’s collaborate with the security forces to ensure that the menace is stopped”.

The 22kilometer new railway line is expected to be completed by March 2022.