Metro Mass Transit raises alarm over alleged illegal encroachment at 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.

According to the company, the ongoing development at the site violates state regulations and deprives the nation of critical public resources.

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 the 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 Limited through an Act of Parliament, transferring all OSA lands and properties to the newly formed transport company.

Apaw-Wiredu stressed that the Constitution mandates the President to safeguard state properties on behalf of the citizens. As a result, Metro Mass Transit has continued to operate the Opera Square terminal as a public transport hub, serving commuters and enabling petty traders to conduct legitimate business activities around the facility.

He explained that management discovered the unauthorised development during a recent review of all MMTL properties across the country.

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

Apaw-Wiredu further disclosed that when MMTL engaged the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on the matter, the Mayor reportedly expressed shock at the existence of the buildings and indicated that the state holds no revenue interest in the facilities.

Describing the situation as a “daylight crime,” Apaw-Wiredu said the private developer had effectively taken over a portion of the terminal land without offering any benefit to the state. He added that the developer allegedly disregarded a court directive ordering the parties to pursue arbitration, raising concerns about contempt of court and deliberate defiance of legal authority.

He commended traders at the terminal who resisted attempts by the developer to expand further onto the land and encouraged them to remain vigilant while protecting the property through lawful means.

The Deputy Managing Director also revealed that another private operator had been illegally collecting a daily vehicle toll of GHS10 at the terminal—an activity unknown to both the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Metro Mass Transit.

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

Apaw-Wiredu called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), National Security Secretariat of Ghana, and the Criminal Investigations Department to thoroughly investigate the encroachment and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

“If the previous government slept on the job, this government, under the able leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, will not. We at Metro Mass will also not sleep. Under no circumstances will we allow state land to be seized by private interests. We will continue to fight to protect our properties and reset the company as directed by the President. Hands off our landed properties,” he declared.

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 strengthen public transport services.

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