Editorial: Destruction Of Railway Lines And High Tension Pylons Must Be Stopped!

The Ghana Railway Authority (GRA) has uncovered severe vandalism and encroachment along the 97-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan railway line, threatening the soon-to-be-launched shuttle service. Inspection teams found stolen bolts, nuts and buffer stops, endangering railway safety.

In a related incident, more than 15 communities around Ejisu in the Ashanti Region are facing widespread blackout after eight electricity pylons collapsed due to stolen bolts and nuts. Businesses and residents are suffering and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is working to restore power, though no timeline has been set. Both incidents highlight the dangers of infrastructure vandalism and the urgent need for stricter security measures.

These two incidents are both shocking and deeply troubling. These criminal acts not only pose a serious risk to public safety but also undermine the nation’s infrastructure development and economic progress.

The railway system, a crucial component of our transportation sector is under attack from unscrupulous individuals who seem determined to render it non-operational. The discovery that several bolts and nuts securing the rails have been stolen, leaving the tracks dangerously loose, is an alarming indication of the recklessness and audacity of these criminals. Even more worrying is the theft of buffer stops, very important metal structures designed to regulate train speeds, which could lead to catastrophic accidents if not urgently addressed.

Similarly, the theft of essential components from electricity pylons, leading to a massive blackout affecting over 15 communities in and around Ejisu, highlights the devastating consequences of such criminal acts. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is scrambling to rectify the situation, but the damage has already been done.

What makes these acts of vandalism even more frustrating is that, regrettably, many of the perpetrators are believed to be scrap dealers, most of whom are not even Ghanaians. This raises serious concerns about border security and the regulation of the scrap industry. The authorities must investigate this syndicate, tracking down not only those who steal these essential materials but also those who purchase them.

Scrap dealers who knowingly buy stolen railway components and electricity infrastructure must face the full rigors of the law. The police must go beyond arresting petty thieves and dismantle the larger network involved in this illicit trade.

Furthermore, we must critically examine the role of surveillance and preventive measures in curbing such acts. The fact that bolts and nuts from railway tracks and electricity pylons can be stolen in such large quantities without detection speaks volumes about the inadequacy of security measures.

Where are the CCTV cameras that should be monitoring these crucial installations? What is the state of security along our main highways and railway corridors? Authorities must immediately install and ensure the proper functioning of CCTV cameras at strategic locations, including major streets and critical infrastructure points, to monitor and deter these criminals.

Additionally, the need for well-lit streets across the country cannot be overstated. Darkness provides a safe haven for these criminals to operate undetected. The government must prioritise the installation of streetlights in every part of the country. This will not only enhance security but also aid law enforcement in tracking down culprits.

Infrastructure development is a painstaking process that requires a lot of investment. It is deeply disheartening that after billions of cedis have been poured into projects like the Tema-Mpakadan railway, criminal elements seek to sabotage progress for personal gain. This menace must be met with swift and decisive action. The government must impose harsh sentences on those caught vandalizing public infrastructure, setting a strong precedent that deters others from engaging in such acts.

The government, security agencies and the public must come together to put an end to this cycle of destruction. Ghanaians must be encouraged to report suspicious activities and security forces must be proactive in preventing these crimes rather than reacting after the damage has been done.

We cannot afford to have our infrastructure undermined by a few unscrupulous individuals. It is time to treat infrastructure vandalism as a national security issue and tackle it with the seriousness it deserves. The perpetrators must be dealt with decisively and preventive measures must be enhanced to safeguard the country’s progress. If we fail to act now, we risk losing not only our infrastructure but also our vision for a developed Ghana.

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