Top NPP Officials And Government Appointees Caught In Railway Tracks Theft Syndicate In ER

LEADERSHIP of the Eastern Regional branch of the National Democratic (NDC) has accused the top officials of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and some appointees of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for involving in the rampant thefts or stealing of the railing tracks and selling of railway lines, which situations are affecting the progress of railway infrastructure in the country.

At a crowded press conference dubbed; "Eastern Must Know," which was held on Monday October 30,2023, the the Eastern Regional Communications Bureau of the National Democratic Congress raised an alarm bell over the rampant theft of rail tracks that serve as a lifeline for the country's transportation infrastructure.

The party noted that the grossly incompetent state of leadership have cast a dark cloud of doubt and insecurity over the Eastern Region," adding that "We address these critical issues with an immense sense of urgency and profound outrage.

According to the Eastern Regional branch of the NDC, epidemic of rail line theft plagues the region, and as vigilant youth, "we refuse to passively watch this inept government and its appointed officials perpetuate this heinous crime, endangering not only our future but the future of our generations yet to come."

 "Our exhaustive investigations have unearthed active involvement by members of the NPP in dismantling and selling these rail lines, with affected constituencies including Nsawam, Achiase, upper west Akyem, new Juabeng North and South, Fanteakwa South, Asene Manso Akroso, and numerous others.

Ladies and gentlemen, the extent of this nefarious activity knows no bounds," NDC raised red flag.

 In Nsawam, the party revealed that the NPP leaders conspired with Chinese operatives who, in turn, enlisted innocent young men with the promise of a meagre daily wage of Ghc40 to sabotage our rail lines. 

According to the NDC, when confronted, these young men disclosed that they were mere pawns contracted by these Chinese individuals.

The party pointed out that the subsequent investigations have shockingly revealed that these Chinese culprits have close ties to influential NPP figures.

"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.

"What compounds this grave situation is the disconcerting revelation that in certain areas, law enforcement agencies, specifically the Police, are actively complicit," the NDC revealed.

The party complained that they provided 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," the party said.

According to the party, this is a somber state of affairs, ladies and gentlemen, and it is one that demands our collective attention and action.'

The NDC expressed disgust that this rampant rail line theft has reached alarming proportions in the Upper West Akim district, adding that  the audacious thefts of these rail lines have become a daily nuisance in the district, and what's even more astonishing is the blatant involvement of known NPP members within the district.

"Our shock and dismay knew no bounds when we unearthed the disturbing revelation that the Member of Parliament for the Upper West Akim Constituency, Hon. Frederick Adom Obeng, had formed a disturbing alliance with the District Chief Executive, Hon. Eugene Sackey to allegedly further entrenching this thievery. 

"The sinister purpose of this unholy alliance (between the MP and the DCE) is to ruthlessly coerce and compel young men into vandalizing and plundering rail lines, then clandestinely trafficking the stolen lines to undisclosed locations for nefarious profit. Other NPP members, such as Alex Amoh (NPP constituency Communications Director), Isaac Amoasah (Assembly member, Government appointee, and currently vying for an Assembly position), and Alhassan Iddrisu (Polling Station Organizer, Amanfrom), have shamefully joined hands with the MP and DCE in their relentless act to wantonly destroy this valuable state asset," the party told journalists.

The party indicated that the gravity of the issue in the Upper West Akim district extends from Adeiso to several villages and communities, primarily due to the influential figures involved. 

The villages, the party mentioned include, Asuotwene Alafia, Asikasu, Krodua, Kwamoako, Kumikrom, and Esaaso, all within the district. We simply cannot stand aloof and allow the DCE and his puppets to obliterate our future for their selfish political gains(show video).

It said that  in the case of Achiase, on the 10th of May 2023, the Chiefs of Akyem Aperade, in the Achiase district of the Eastern Region, under the leadership of Obrempong Owusu Twum Berima, expressed profound outrage in response to a concerted effort to secure the release of 4 suspects apprehended for their alleged involvement in the theft of railroad steel tracks along the community's railway line.

The NDC  pointed out that the suspects, including Baffour Awuah, who serves as the Achiase NPP Constituency Organizer, were taken into Police custody by the Accra Police CID following a tip-off by the Chiefs, revealing their involvement in the illicit removal and sale of train steel tracks as scrap metal. 

After their apprehension, the NDC said the suspects were subsequently transferred to the Oda Police Command, where they were surprisingly granted bail the same day.

The party mentioned that the Chiefs vehemently asserted that some influential NPP political figures are unduly interfering with the investigation, obstructing the rightful pursuit of justice against these suspects. 

Below is the press statement

EXTRAORDINARY PRESS BRIEFING: TACKLING THE EXPLOSIVE RAILWAY ROBBERY EPIDEMIC AND ITS CONSEQUENCE ON GHANA'S RAILWAY PROSPECTS.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I extend a somber welcome on behalf of the Eastern Regional Communications Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). 

 We have gathered here today for a press conference of grave significance. 

 Our purpose is to shed light on the pressing concerns that have cast a shadow over our nation’s development since January 7, 2017, when the reins of leadership transitioned to President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia.

In the seven long years of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led NPP Administration, we have witnessed a lamentable tale of underdevelopment, particularly within the Eastern Region. 

With their extravagant and unattainable campaign pledges that ushered them into power, it is hardly astonishing that President Akufo-Addo and his insensitive government find themselves adrift, unable to deliver meaningful progress. 

Their grandiose promises, such as the illusory announcement of Ghana's First Sky Train station by August 2020, have proven to be nothing but a cruel joke. 

The signing of the project on Monday, November 11, 2019, was meant to initiate feasibility studies spanning a period of nine months to ascertain the project's viability. 

The government assured us that the first station for the Accra Sky Train project would open within nine months, but this promise remains unfulfilled. 

As we say in our local language, 'If a man decides not to undergo circumcision, his shorts should not be seized.' If Nana Addo/Bawumia promised us a sky train and cannot deliver, it does not grant them the right to stripe our railway tracks across the country, especially in the Eastern Region.

The Eastern Region finds itself in the clutches of a grave crisis, one that threatens the very foundation of our region and its future.

 The rampant theft of rail tracks that serve as a lifeline for our transportation infrastructure and the grossly incompetent state of leadership have cast a dark cloud of doubt and insecurity over our region. We address these critical issues with an immense sense of urgency and profound outrage.

The epidemic of rail line theft plagues our region, and as vigilant youth, we refuse to passively watch this inept government and its appointed officials perpetuate this heinous crime, endangering not only our future but the future of our generations yet to come.

 Our exhaustive investigations have unearthed active involvement by members of the NPP in dismantling and selling these rail lines, with affected constituencies including Nsawam, Achiase, upper west Akyem, new Juabeng North and South, Fanteakwa South, Asene Manso Akroso, and numerous others.

Ladies and gentlemen, the extent of this nefarious activity knows no bounds.

 In Nsawam, NPP leaders conspired with Chinese operatives who, in turn, enlisted innocent young men with the promise of a meagre daily wage of Ghc40 to sabotage our rail lines. 

When confronted, these young men disclosed that they were mere pawns contracted by these Chinese individuals. Subsequent investigations have shockingly revealed that these Chinese culprits have close ties to influential NPP figures(show video).

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.

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. 

This is a somber state of affairs, ladies and gentlemen, and it is one that demands our collective attention and action.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, this rampant rail line theft has reached alarming proportions in the Upper West Akim district. The audacious theft of these rail lines has become a daily nuisance in the district, and what's even more astonishing is the blatant involvement of known NPP members within the district.

Our shock and dismay knew no bounds when we unearthed the disturbing revelation that the Member of Parliament for the Upper West Akim Constituency, Hon. Frederick Adom Obeng, had formed a disturbing alliance with the District Chief Executive, Hon. Eugene Sackey to allegedly further entrenching this thievery. 

The sinister purpose of this unholy alliance (between the MP and the DCE) is to ruthlessly coerce and compel young men into vandalizing and plundering rail lines, then clandestinely trafficking the stolen lines to undisclosed locations for nefarious profit. Other NPP members, such as Alex Amoh (NPP constituency Communications Director), Isaac Amoasah (Assembly member, Government appointee, and currently vying for an Assembly position), and Alhassan Iddrisu (Polling Station Organizer, Amanfrom), have shamefully joined hands with the MP and DCE in their relentless act to wantonly destroy this valuable state asset.

The gravity of the issue in the Upper West Akim district extends from Adeiso to several villages and communities, primarily due to the influential figures involved. The villages include, Asuotwene Alafia, Asikasu, Krodua, Kwamoako, Kumikrom, and Esaaso, all within the district. We simply cannot stand aloof and allow the DCE and his puppets to obliterate our future for their selfish political gains(show video).

In the case of Achiase, on the 10th of May 2023, the Chiefs of Akyem Aperade, in the Achiase district of the Eastern Region, under the leadership of Obrempong Owusu Twum Berima, expressed profound outrage in response to a concerted effort to secure the release of 4 suspects apprehended for their alleged involvement in the theft of railroad steel tracks along the community's railway line.

The suspects, including Baffour Awuah, who serves as the Achiase NPP Constituency Organizer, were taken into Police custody by the Accra Police CID following a tip-off by the Chiefs, revealing their involvement in the illicit removal and sale of train steel tracks as scrap metal. After their apprehension, the suspects were subsequently transferred to the Oda Police Command, where they were surprisingly granted bail the same day.

The Chiefs vehemently asserted that some influential NPP political figures are unduly interfering with the investigation, obstructing the rightful pursuit of justice against these suspects. 

Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs, Nana Konadu Asamoah, the Nifahene of Akyem Aperade, conveyed their collective dissatisfaction and firmly stated that any attempt to impede the prosecution of these suspects would set a harmful precedent.

In an alarming revelation, Nana Konadu Asamoah pointed out that the Member of Parliament for Achiase constituency, Hon Kofi Marfo, allegedly sought to interfere in the investigation, ostensibly to obstruct the prosecution. 

The indignant Chief disclosed that when Baffuor Awuah was arrested, the Member of Parliament reportedly arrived at the scene between 11:00pm to 12:00am midnight, in an attempt to secure his release, despite his involvement in the criminal activity.

 Such audacious interference will not be tolerated by the esteemed leaders of the community, as they are resolute in their commitment to upholding the law and preserving justice.

Additionally, Nana Esi Akoa and Nana Otibu Krah, both sub-chiefs at Akyem Aperede, sternly implored the police to uphold the law without bias. Following this regrettable incident, citizens of the Achiase District believed that rail theft was finally over.

Regrettably, it has come to our attention that the District Chief Executive, top government officials, and other NPP members, ignoring sound advice, attempted to pilfer rails from Nyankomase.

This treacherous act was thwarted by the Amankrado, Assemblyman, and the youth, who demanded proof of their authority to remove the tracks.

 Their refusal to present valid documents exposed their intentions. Subsequently, they shifted their thievery from Nyankomase to the Achiase Railway junction, advancing towards Achiase township and Apaso. 

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, we also witnessed a grave incident on this issue. On the premises of the District Assembly, we observed a cargo car, transporting rails as mentioned earlier in broad daylight. From August 13th to September 1, 2023. To make matters worse, three cargo trucks carrying stollen rail lines were parked in front of the police checkpoint at Achiase, obstructing a crucial commercial route frequently used by pedestrians and commercial vehicles(show video).

We conducted our own independent investigations and reached out to the Ministry of Railways and Development, but to our dismay, they were unwilling to comment on the matter. 

 Our investigations also established that some top-echeleons of the NPP Party are involved in this destructive activity.  It is pertinent to note that, no-mean a person than the vice President of the republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the mastermind behind orchestrating the theft of rail lines, using the ill-gotten gains to fund his campaign aspirations.  

This startling revelation has also been corroborated by a member of the NPP, Alex Kwaku Tetteh, during a heated panel discussion on Onua Radio. He boldly demanded that Bawumia ceases his association with Kofi Marfo, Baffour Awuah and his accomplices, who are shamelessly stealing rail lines and funnelling the proceeds to support his bid for the NPP Flagbearer position. [Show video]

If this revelation or allegation about the Vice President is indeed true, then it foretells dire consequences for our nation, and we, the NDC, unequivocally demand a thorough and urgent investigation into this revelation.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we have reached the concluding part of our address. 

As we conclude, it is disheartening to note that the situation at hand paints a dire picture under Mr. Akufo-Addo-Bawumia leadership in the Eastern Region. 

The Ministry of railway development estimates that constructing just one kilometre of railway line costs our nation a staggering 5 million dollars. Yet, the audacity of those who destroy this critical infrastructure without any intent to restore or make it functional again leaves us appalled. We insist that these destructive acts be halted without delay and the perpetrators be held accountable for their actions.

In closing, we wish to acknowledge the commendable efforts initiated by President John Mahama in the development of our railway infrastructure, encompassing the reconstruction and modernization of the existing rail network in the southern sector, with plans for an extension into the northern part. In this vein, substantial progress were made, including the completion of the Sekondi-Takoradi to Kojokrom railway lines, the establishment of a state-of-the-art train station in Sekondi, the realization of the Takoradi to Kumasi route with a branch line from Dunkwa to Awaso, and the initiation of projects connecting Accra to Nsawam and Accra through Tema to Akosombo.

it is of utmost importance that we hold the Nana Addo/Bawumia administration accountable for the development of our railway infrastructure.

 If they prove incapable of spearheading this critical initiative despite the substantial financial resources at their disposal, including killer taxes, excessive loans, grants, and IMF bailouts, we vehemently demand that they refrain from misappropriating our railway assets and profiteering from their sale.

Given all these resources, the failure to advance our nation's progress is a grave disservice to the well-being of our citizens and the responsible utilization of public funds.

Our Demands

1. We demand the immediate and unwavering apprehension of Baffour Awuah the NPP Constituency Organiser of Achiase and his associates, and we insist on the unrelenting pursuit of their prosecution.

2. We fiercely and resolutely insist on a detailed and unambiguous action plan from the police for the swift annihilation of this menace.

3. We passionately and unwaveringly call for a fully independent and exhaustive investigation to probe the alleged involvement of the Vice President.

4. We sternly impose a strict 48-hour ultimatum on the police to apprehend all culprits; their failure will compel us to mobilize all available forces for uncompromising citizen arrests, without hesitation.

In conclusion ladies and gentlemen, in fulfilment of our steadfast commitment to providing vigilant and responsible opposition, and to continuously hold the government accountable as active participants rather than mere spectators, we find it imperative to address a series of alarming developments that pose a severe threat to our nation's well-being. 

We earnestly implore the media and conscientious leaders to join us in confronting issues of lawlessness and the government's involvement in the theft of railway tracks. We are resolute in our battle against corruption, the arrogance of power, falsehoods, and dishonesty.

it is an undeniable fact that the promises made by the NPP while in opposition are now coming back to haunt them. Many who once supported the current leadership are eagerly awaiting the next election, yearning for the opportunity to cast their votes and usher out this highly inept government led by Nana Addo and Bawumia. 

As the NDC Communications Bureau in the Eastern Region, we will persist in highlighting the critical infrastructure that is being ravaged and pillaged by government-endorsed individuals. 

We fervently beseech the law enforcement authorities to take swift action, as failure to do so may compel the youth to protect our national assets.

We recognize that we are engaging with well-meaning individuals and are unwavering in our commitment to hold the government accountable while also presenting constructive alternatives. 

Rest assured, as we navigate the challenges posed by the administration of President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia, we will not falter or succumb to the negative actions of the NPP. 

We take this moment to emphatically reiterate the profound words of Prof. Mills, spoken during his third State of the Nation Address in February 2011: 'Ghana shall not perish; Ghana shall thrive and bring glory to the Almighty.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we thank you for honoring this invitation and appreciate your kind attention. 

Thank you and may God bless our Homeland, Ghana.