Introduction

The operational integrity and safety of Ghana’s railway network are currently under severe threat due to unauthorized commercial activities within the Accra railway backyard. In a decisive move to restore order and protect critical infrastructure, the Accra Branch of the Railway Workers Union has issued a formal call for the immediate clearance of illegal buyers and squatters occupying the facility.

This development highlights a growing conflict between economic survivalism and national infrastructure security. The Union’s statement, scheduled for release on Monday, January 26, 2026, outlines a series of disturbing events ranging from violent takeovers to health hazards, all of which necessitate urgent intervention by relevant authorities. This article provides a detailed analysis of the situation, the background of the dispute, and the practical implications for railway operations in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of the current situation, it is essential to examine the historical context of the Accra railway backyard. Historically, railway yards in Ghana have served as hubs for logistics, engineering workshops, and staff housing. However, in recent years, economic pressures have led to the proliferation of informal markets within these spaces.

The 2024 Shift

According to the Union, the situation began to deteriorate significantly after the 2024 general elections. During this period, the designated creative space initially established by the Union was allegedly taken over by unknown individuals. This transition marked the beginning of unauthorized occupation, where commercial interests began to supersede railway safety protocols.

Encroachment on Critical Infrastructure

The railway backyard is not merely a vacant lot; it houses essential facilities, including the Engineering Workshop of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL). The Union reports that encroachers forcibly locked up stores and seized control of the Engineering Workshop, directly disrupting the maintenance and repair of railway assets. This encroachment represents a direct threat to the continuity of rail transport services in the region.

Analysis

The conflict in the Accra railway backyard is a multifaceted issue involving legal, security, and public health dimensions. The Union’s allegations paint a picture of lawlessness that requires a coordinated response from state agencies.

Security Impersonation and Violence

One of the most alarming aspects of this dispute is the alleged involvement of state security apparatus or individuals impersonating them. The Union cites a specific incident in November 2025 where approximately 50 unidentified men, clad in uniforms and masks, stormed the yard. These individuals claimed to be operatives from the National Security Office, specifically acting under the authority of a figure identified as “Alhaji Kundo” from Osu Castle.

The alleged use of shockers, pepper spray, and canes against railway personnel constitutes a serious breach of the law. The reported assault on Mr. Kwaku Boateng (who was allegedly beaten and detained) and the handcuffing of Mr. Emmanuel Sasu Dankyi suggest a coordinated effort to intimidate legitimate workers and union officials. If verified, these actions could lead to criminal charges including assault, unlawful detention, and impersonation of security officers.

Operational Disruption

The locking of the Engineering Workshop and stores halts critical maintenance schedules. For a railway system to function efficiently, rolling stock must be regularly serviced. The inability of the GRCL to access its own facilities due to unauthorized occupation directly impacts the reliability of rail transport, potentially affecting freight and passenger services.

Public Health and Environmental Concerns

Beyond the violence and operational disruption, the Union highlights a deteriorating sanitary condition. The description of the railway backyard as a “refuse dump” with no sanitary measures indicates a significant environmental hazard. Accumulated waste in a railway yard can attract vermin, cause blockages in drainage systems, and create fire hazards, further endangering the infrastructure.

Legal and Financial Implications

The Union references a memo from the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) stating that the Authority has not authorized any individual or group to collect money on its behalf. This is a critical legal point. Any individual collecting “fees” from buyers in the yard is likely committing fraud. Furthermore, the unauthorized occupation of state property (railway land) constitutes encroachment, which is actionable under Ghanaian land and property laws.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders, including railway workers, legitimate buyers, and local authorities, navigating this complex situation requires adherence to specific guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.

For Railway Workers

Prioritize Personal Safety: Given the reports of violence involving shockers and physical assault, workers should avoid direct confrontation with encroachers. Instead, incidents should be documented and reported immediately to the Union leadership and the police.

Document Evidence: Workers should discreetly gather evidence of illegal activities, including photographs of unauthorized structures, records of fee collections, and details of security breaches. This evidence is vital for legal proceedings.

For Legitimate Buyers and Traders

Verify Authorization: Before engaging in any transaction within the railway backyard, buyers must verify the legitimacy of the seller. Since the GRDA has explicitly stated that no one is authorized to collect fees or sell space, any payment made to third parties is at high risk of loss.

Avoid the Area During Operations: The Union has flagged the area as unsafe due to ongoing security operations and health hazards. Buyers should await official clearance and restructuring of the yard by the GRDA to ensure their safety and the legality of their business.

For Authorities (GRDA and Police)

Coordinated Eviction: A haphazard eviction could lead to violence. Authorities should plan a coordinated operation involving the police to secure the area, protect state property, and ensure the safety of all parties involved.

Restoration of Sanitation: Following the clearance, immediate steps must be taken to clear refuse and restore sanitary conditions to prevent disease outbreaks and protect the railway infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the Railway Workers Union calling for the clearance of buyers?

The Union is calling for clearance due to safety concerns, illegal occupation of railway facilities, violent incidents involving impersonators, and the deteriorating sanitary conditions of the Accra railway backyard.

Is it legal to buy or sell within the railway backyard?

According to a memo from the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), the Authority has not authorized any individual or group to collect money or operate businesses within the railway backyard. Therefore, commercial activities there are likely unauthorized and illegal.

What happened in November 2025?

In November 2025, approximately 50 unidentified men, allegedly posing as National Security operatives, stormed the yard. They were reportedly armed with weapons like pepper spray and shockers, and they assaulted and detained railway staff members.

Who is Alhaji Kundo?

According to the Union’s statement, the group of men in November 2025 claimed to be acting under the authority of an individual named Alhaji Kundo based at Osu Castle. However, the legitimacy of this authority is under dispute.

What is the current state of the Accra railway backyard?

The Union describes the area as filthy, used as a refuse dump, and lacking sanitary measures. It is also occupied by unauthorized structures that impede railway operations.

What measures are being taken to resolve the issue?

The Railway Workers Union has submitted a petition to the Regional Police Command demanding investigations and action. They are also appealing to relevant government agencies to enforce the removal of illegal occupants.

Conclusion

The situation at the Accra railway backyard represents a critical flashpoint in the management of Ghana’s public infrastructure. The Railway Workers Union’s call for the clearance of unauthorized buyers is not merely a labor grievance but a plea for the restoration of law, order, and safety. The allegations of violence, health hazards, and operational sabotage underscore the urgent need for government intervention.

Resolving this crisis will require a delicate balance: enforcing the law to protect state assets and railway workers, while addressing the socio-economic factors that drive encroachment. Until the GRDA and security agencies reclaim the backyard, the safety of the railway network and its personnel remains precarious. Stakeholders must prioritize the rule of law and the sanctity of critical national infrastructure.