This is how much it’ll cost gov’t to replace stolen bars per kilometer on Achimota-Nsawam railway

The Achimota-Nsawam railway line in the Greater Accra Region has suffered a major setback after unknown individuals allegedly removed and stole railway bars from sections of the stretch.

Residents in the area reported witnessing about 20 men using specialized equipment to dismantle and remove the bars.

According to eyewitness accounts, the theft occurred in stages, with the first group operating at midnight and another at around 6 am.

“We saw them removing the bars from their sources. We don’t know who they are, and we have no information about them,” one resident told JoyNews.

The residents claimed the culprits justified their actions by stating that they were acting on “authority from above.”

On one occasion, they even arrived with police escort, adding to the confusion. A youth leader in the community alleged that when questioned, the perpetrators produced documents supposedly from the presidency authorizing the removal.

The theft reportedly took place about two months ago, with the bars removed on at least four separate occasions, leaving local efforts to intervene unsuccessfully.

According to Deputy Minister for Railway Development Kwaku Asante-Boateng, the replacement of the stolen railway bars will cost the government $5 million per kilometre.

The Achimota-Nsawam railway line, originally built during colonial times and recently refurbished by the government, was operational until the theft disrupted railway services along the stretch.