The Chief of Zongo in Biaho, Alhaji Razak, who is also a registered scrap dealer at the Takoradi Port, has expressed deep frustration regarding what he describes as a questionable railway scrap auction deal allegedly involving some executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) within the scrap dealers’ association.
According to him, he and several other scrap dealers were contacted by NDC executives, who informed them that the Ghana Railway Company was auctioning scrap materials, including coaches, wagons, and rails.
He recounted that they were told the items had been handed over to the regional executives stationed at the railway station at Takoradi Harbour. Interested groups were required to pay GH¢330,000 each, equivalent to 100 tons of scrap, in order to gain access to the materials.
Mr. Razak alleged that a total of 10 groups of scrap dealers participated in the payment, with each group contributing GH¢330,000, resulting in a total of GH¢3.3 million.
“We were summoned by our regional chairman and were informed that the railway scrap auction had been approved, and that we should pay GH¢330,000 per group to gain access to the materials,” he explained.
He noted that payments were made on a Monday to the committee, which included the Effia Constituency Chairman, who assured them that documentation was underway and that work could commence the following day.
However, after waiting several days, their operations were halted by individuals claiming to be from the National Security.
“When we went to start work, we were stopped by National Security and informed that the Ministry of Roads and Highways had not received any payment. Until this is rectified, we cannot proceed with our work,” Alhaji Razak lamented.
He further revealed that despite multiple attempts to seek clarification from the chairman, they were told that the money had already been sent to a national committee based in Accra at Akuma Plaza, a claim that remains unverified.
Mr. Razak stated that he personally paid GH¢330,000 to a man identified only as Chairman Seidu, who is believed to be the Effia Constituency Chairman and a member of the committee in question.
“Right now, we are demanding our money back or immediate permission to begin work. If this issue is not resolved, I will escalate the matter to the regional chairman and national security for redress.”
He called on the authorities to swiftly investigate the matter, describing it as a clear case of deceit that threatens the livelihoods of many legitimate scrap dealers in the region.
