The management of Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) has formally condemned the unauthorized occupation of its Opera Square terminal by a private developer. Deputy Director of Operations, Haruna Apaw Wiredu, characterized the encroachment as a “brazen act of state asset capture,” warning that the company will use every legal means to recover the land and safeguard the public interest.
Speaking at the Metro Mass terminal at Opera Square, Wiredu expressed outrage over the unauthorized expansion of private estate facilities onto a fully operational state terminal. He characterized the situation as a total disregard for the law and an affront to the mandate of the transport provider.
He further revealed that the company received intelligence regarding the developer’s intent to further seize the left side of the terminal without any consultation with MMTL management. He noted that this encroachment directly contradicts the vision of His Excellency the President, who is set to revitalize the company.
”His Excellency the President has planned to re-tune Metro Mass with about 300 buses in line with our 24-hour transport services to the people of Ghana,” Wiredu stated. “We are expecting those buses by next month, and Opera Square is a strategic terminal to balance Metro Mass’ cost.”
The Deputy Director detailed a history of “irresponsible” behavior by the developer, noting that construction took place under the cover of darkness during the previous administration. He further disclosed a past incident where MMTL staff arrived at work only to find their office had been “torn down” by the operator.
Despite previous judicial advice to settle the matter out of court, he signaled that the time for quiet diplomacy has passed. He emphasized that as presidential appointees, they are duty-bound to protect state assets.
”We cannot sit down and say ‘business as usual,’ just as our predecessors ran the company down,” he asserted. “We are voiced that we will defend the remaining properties, which forms part of Government of Ghana’s assets.”
Highlighting the ownership structure of Metro Mass, Wiredu clarified that the Government of Ghana holds a 45% direct stake, with the remainder held by parastatal entities like GOIL, SIC, and Prudential Bank, effectively making it a 90% state-owned enterprise.
He questioned why a single private individual should be allowed to capture state property for “selfish and economic gains.” He called on the public to stand against what he described as a “create, loot, and share” scheme.
Closing his statement with a firm resolve, Wiredu pledged that the current management, under Managing Director Albert Adu Boahen, would use every legal means necessary to halt the encroachment.
”By the last straw of blood running through our veins, we will positively and legally defend, protect, and resist this brazen broad daylight thievery,” Wiredu declared. “We will do what is right, so that tomorrow, history and posterity will be kind to all of us.”
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
