Metro Mass Transit alleges illegal encroachment on Opera Square terminal

Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) has raised concerns over what it describes as illegal encroachment and an attempted takeover of the Opera Square Bus Terminal in Accra by a private developer.

The company says the ongoing construction at the site violates state regulations and denies the nation access to an important public transport asset.

Addressing traders and journalists at the terminal, the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations and Technical, Haroun Apaw-Wiredu, explained that the facility forms part of assets inherited from the defunct Omnibus Services Authority (OSA), a state institution established during the administration of former Head of State Ignatius Kutu Acheampong.

He noted that after the OSA collapsed due to insolvency, the government under former President John Agyekum Kufuor divested the authority and subsequently established Metro Mass Transit through an Act of Parliament, transferring all OSA lands and properties to the transport company.

According to Mr. Apaw-Wiredu, the Constitution requires the President to safeguard state properties on behalf of citizens. As such, Metro Mass Transit has continued to operate the Opera Square terminal as a public transport hub serving commuters while also supporting petty traders who conduct business around the facility.

He said management discovered the alleged unauthorised development during a recent review of MMTL properties nationwide.

According to him, the two-storey buildings currently standing on part of the terminal land were constructed without approval from either the company or the state.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu further revealed that when MMTL engaged the Mayor of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on the issue, the mayor reportedly expressed surprise at the development and indicated that the state does not receive any revenue from the facilities.

Describing the situation as a “daylight crime,” the MMTL official alleged that the private developer had effectively taken control of a portion of the terminal land without offering any benefit to the state.

He also claimed the developer ignored a court directive instructing the parties to pursue arbitration, raising concerns about possible contempt of court.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu commended traders at the terminal who resisted attempts by the developer to expand further onto the land and urged them to remain vigilant while protecting the property through lawful means.

He further disclosed that another private operator had been illegally collecting a daily vehicle toll of GH¢10 at the terminal—an activity unknown to both the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Metro Mass Transit.

According to him, the company has issued an eviction notice and a two-week ultimatum to the operator ahead of planned rehabilitation works at the terminal.

Mr. Apaw-Wiredu has therefore called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the National Security Secretariat of Ghana, and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the alleged encroachment and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

He stressed that the government, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, would not allow state lands to be taken over by private interests.

Meanwhile, the government is expected to commission 300 new buses for Metro Mass Transit by the end of the month, with some earmarked for deployment at the Opera Square terminal as part of efforts to improve public transportation services.