The attempt by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and some government officials to arm-twist Original Embossment and Manufacturing Company Limited over the acquisition of the CMB Abuja Market land for redevelopment has backfired.
Despite holding valid lease documents, the GPRTU and its collaborators are said to be resorting to propaganda, false claims, and intimidation in a bid to frustrate the local company’s project. Traders in the area have already been incited to protest against the developer as preparatory works commence.
The controversy has attracted public commentary, with the MP for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, calling on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate what she described as a takeover. Critics, however, argue that her call is based on incomplete information.
Documents sighted by this paper confirm the authenticity of the developer’s claim. In a letter dated June 5, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Dr. Fredrick Appoh, officially affirmed the leasing of 0.69 acres of railway land at Accra Central to Original Embossment and Manufacturing Company Limited.
“The lessee is in good standing and possesses a valid lease with the Authority. Kindly assist with his application with respect to the leased railway land,” Dr. Appoh wrote, attaching supporting documents including receipts, invoices and letters of approval.
According to the GRDA, the land was leased in 2020 for 38 years, renewable upon expiry, with an annual rent of GH¢30,000 subject to review every three years. Portions of railway land in the enclave have also been leased to other entities, including the Ghana Cocoa Board, National Investment Bank, Wood Merchant and Trading Company, Pioneer Merchant, J. A. Lord Care Enterprise and Conna Bless Enterprise.
The Hypocrisy of GPRTU
What exposes the GPRTU’s double standards, per the site plan and other records, is the fact that the union already has its own land—carved out from Original Embossment’s allocation. This arrangement was reached at a meeting involving government officials, Original Embossment, and the GPRTU
It is therefore puzzling, analysts note, that the GPRTU now claims it is being ejected from the area when it has already been allocated land for its operations at the expense of the developer.
Observers further find it troubling that some traders and GPRTU members are alleging that the businessman behind the project is sympathetic to the ruling NPP and that the land should be taken away from him if there is a change of government. Analysts warn such statements send dangerous signals to the investment community.
Jurisdictional Concerns
Another curious twist is that although the land falls under the Korle Klottey jurisdiction, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Mayor addressed protesting traders and assured them the land would be handed to the developer, raising questions of jurisdictional overreach.
Meanwhile, Original Embossment Company Limited has dismissed accusations of unlawful acquisition, insisting its rights to the property were obtained legally through the proper state agencies.
Further revelations are expected as reports emerge of unscrupulous officials allegedly ganging up against this legitimate redevelopment deal.