Management of Metro Mass Transit (MMT) is facing a new challenge outside its core mandate, as the company contends with a purported encroachment on one of its main operating facilities in Accra.
A private development within the operational space of the Opera Square terminal has left the company’s management in shock.
The management has since objected to what it describes as the private developer’s attempt to construct facilities on the company’s land at the Opera Square terminal without authorisation.
The Traffic Operations Manager of the MMT, Ebenezer Marfo, said the development was taking place without recourse to the company and that it threatened a strategic transport facility as the government prepared to expand public transport services.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra, Mr Marfo said the developer had already undertaken some estate-related construction on a section of the terminal area and had recently communicated its intention to develop further the eastern side of the terminal, where company officials were stationed.
Mr Marfo said the development activities were carried out without consultation with the MMT, despite the land forming part of the company’s operational infrastructure.
Mr Marfo explained that the Opera Square terminal remained one of the key operational points for Metro Mass Transit within Accra.
He said the terminal would become even more significant as the government prepares to introduce additional buses as part of its planned expansion of public transport services.
Mr Marfo said the government had announced plans to retool the MMT with approximately 300 buses to support a proposed 24-hour public transport system, which was expected to arrive next month, making the availability of existing terminals a priority.
Previous legal action
Mr Marfo disclosed that the company had previously taken steps to address the matter through legal channels after observing extensive construction on the disputed land.
He said MMT officials followed up with the appropriate authorities and later realised that significant structural work had been carried out, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
The matter, he said, was subsequently taken to the High Court. However, the presiding judge at the time advised both parties to attempt an out-of-court settlement.
Demolition of company office
Mr Marfo further alleged that during the same period, staff of the MMT arrived at work one morning to discover that an office structure belonging to the company had been demolished.
He attributed the demolition to the private developer involved in the ongoing land dispute.
Mr Marfo said that management of the MMT, under its current leadership, was determined to protect all company property.
He explained that the stance was consistent with the President’s directives to prevent the capture of state assets and land by private individuals.
“As appointees, we cannot sit down unconcerned,” he stated, adding that the company would pursue all legitimate means to defend its assets.
Ownership Structure
Mr Marfo said the Government of Ghana held about 45 per cent of the company’s shares, while the remaining shares were held by institutions including the National Investment Bank (NIB), the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), the SIC Insurance Company, the Prudential Bank and GLICO.
He said the combined shareholding structure meant that the government and state-related institutions held the majority stake in the company.
Mr Marfo called on workers and stakeholders of the MMT to support efforts to safeguard the company’s assets.
He said management would continue to pursue lawful and institutional processes to resolve the dispute and ensure that the company’s properties remain protected for operational use.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
