Eastern Regional Communications Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has exposes a dire situation and brought to the forefront, a widespread railway track theft in the Region.
The press conference which is maiden edition of “Eastern must know series” addressed by the Eastern Regional Communication Officer of the NDC, Kojo Dankwah opened with a scathing critique of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led NPP Administration’s seven-year tenure.
It was argued that the government’s extravagant campaign pledges had resulted in unfulfilled promises, including a sky train project that was never realized but says the unmet commitments, however, do not justify the theft of railway tracks across the country, particularly in the Eastern Region.
The NDC says, Eastern Region is in the throes of a grave crisis, characterized by the rampant theft of rail tracks, which serve as a vital component of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
The press briefing revealed that members of the NPP are involved in dismantling and illegal selling of these rail tracks.
They mentioned constituencies include Nsawam, Achiase, Upper West Akyem, New Juaben North and South, Fanteakwa South, Asene Manso Akroso, among others where the crime is pervasive.
Disturbing revelations emerged about Chinese operatives conspiring with NPP leaders to engage young men in rail track sabotage in Nsawam.
The involvement of influential NPP figures in these activities raised concerns.
“Once again, our investigations in Akroso township, Osenho, Edison, Appiadiam, Bekiase, Kumikrom, and the surrounding areas have unveiled a distressing reality. We have discovered that a criminal enterprise is actively operational in the areas mentioned above, and even more troubling, is the involvement of certain individuals associated with the NPP (New Patriotic Party). The names that have surfaced include Ahmed Tijani, who serves as the NPP Nasara Coordinator and a sitting Assembly member for Akroso Amanfrom. In addition, Kojo Attah, a fervent advocate of the NPP and a former assemblyman for Akroso Kyenso, is implicated. Furthermore, we have identified an individual known as Apolo, purportedly the brother of the current District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asene Manso Akroso, Honorable Alex Ncoom”.
Involvement of Law Enforcement Agencies
The situation is further complicated by the alleged complicity of some law enforcement agencies. Some police officers have been accused of actively protecting these criminals, allowing them to operate with impunity. This press conference spotlighted instances where the police were reportedly shielding criminals involved in rail track theft.
Upper West Akim District Involvement
In the Upper West Akim district, the theft of rail tracks has become a daily nuisance. Shockingly, known NPP members, including the Member of Parliament and the District Chief Executive, were implicated in a sinister alliance to encourage young men to vandalize and plunder rail lines.
“What compounds this grave situation is the disconcerting revelation that in certain areas, law enforcement agencies, specifically the Police, are actively complicit. They provide 24-hour protection for these criminals in Osenho, Edison, Akroso township, Appiadiam, Bekiase, Kumikrom, and other places, ostensibly shielding them from justice. It is deeply disheartening that the very institution entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding lives and property has, in some instances, chosen to safeguard criminals, permitting them to brazenly engage in acts of theft and lawlessness. Such as the case of New Juaben North where a Police officer popularly known as “Arrested” has been spotted using a Police vehicle to allegedly protect these criminals (video of police car). This state of affairs is not only lamentable but also deeply troubling. It is imperative that we address this issue with the utmost urgency, for the safety and well-being of the people in these towns mentioned above. We cannot allow such impunity to persist, and we must demand accountability from those in positions of authority”.
Interference in Investigations
The press briefing recounted instances where influential NPP figures allegedly interfered with investigations, obstructing the pursuit of justice. This included the MP for Achiase constituency, Hon Kofi Marfo, who was accused of trying to secure the release of suspects involved in rail track theft.
Allegations Against the Vice President
One of the most startling allegations made during the briefing was that the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was the mastermind behind the theft of rail lines, allegedly using the ill-gotten gains to fund his campaign aspirations. This revelation has been supported by a member of the NPP during a radio panel discussion.
Demands for Action
The NDC concluded the press conference with a set of demands:
The NDC demanded immediate apprehension and prosecution of those involved in rail track theft.
A detailed action plan from the police to swiftly address the issue.
An independent investigation into the alleged involvement of the Vice President.
A strict 48-hour ultimatum for the police to apprehend all culprits, with the threat of citizen arrests if they fail to act.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
