Thieves cut, steal iron rods on Achimota-Ofankor highway retaining wall

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has condemned acts of vandalism at the Tantra Hill underpass, where thieves have cut and stolen iron rods from the retaining wall on the Achimota-bound road.

The damage, located on the southern side of the underpass, was captured in a widely circulated video that shows exposed and vandalised rebars—steel reinforcing bars critical to the wall’s integrity.

According to the Ministry, the theft appears to have been carried out under the cover of darkness. The perpetrators reportedly removed protective coverings to access the embedded iron rods. Some bolts and nuts securing the metal railings have also been stolen, leaving parts of the infrastructure compromised.

Nasir Ahmad Yartey, Head of the Public Relations Unit at the Ministry, confirmed that the damage had been on their radar for some time.

He explained that an initial assessment by engineers revealed that weak and porous concrete had already left sections of the wall vulnerable. These structural flaws allowed moisture and air to seep in, accelerating corrosion of the exposed rebars. As the rebars corrode, they expand, further cracking and weakening the concrete in a destructive cycle known as spalling.

“This deterioration made it easier for criminals to access the iron rods,” Mr. Yartey said. “But even with the defects, that does not justify or excuse the vandalism. It is unlawful and dangerous.”

He confirmed that the Ministry has completed its technical evaluations, selected a contractor, and is awaiting mobilisation to commence remedial works.

“There is no cause for alarm. The necessary preparations have been made and the contractor will soon be on site to begin the repairs,” Mr. Yartey assured the public.

However, he expressed growing concern over the increasing cases of vandalism across the country’s road infrastructure. He cited similar incidents involving the theft of bolts and nuts from the Accra-Tema Motorway tunnel, as well as repeated cases of stolen road signs, cables, and street lighting equipment.

“These acts of sabotage are putting the safety of motorists and the general public at great risk,” he said. “It is becoming one too many.”

Mr. Yartey called on citizens to report such criminal activities and appealed to security agencies and local assemblies to increase surveillance and help safeguard public infrastructure.

“We are also warning those engaged in these acts to stop immediately. Anyone caught will face the full force of the law,” he said.