An attempt by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and some government officials to obstruct the redevelopment of the CMB Abuja Market in the Central Business District of Accra has reportedly backfired, amid allegations of propaganda, false claims, and intimidation.

At the centre of the controversy is Original Embossment and Manufacturing Company Limited, a local firm holding a valid lease for the site.

Despite this, traders in the area have been incited to protest against the company’s preparatory works for redevelopment.

The issue has drawn public attention, with the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, urging the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate what she described as a “takeover.”

However, critics argue that her concerns may have been raised without full access to the facts.

Valid Lease Confirmed
Documents sighted confirm the legitimacy 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, reaffirmed the lease 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 stated.

His letter was accompanied by receipts, invoices, and official approvals.

The GRDA explained that the land was leased in 2020 for a 38-year term, renewable upon expiry, at an annual rent of GH¢30,000, subject to review every three years.

Other entities, including the Ghana Cocoa Board, National Investment Bank, and several private companies, also hold leases on nearby parcels of railway land.

GPRTU’s Contradictory Claims
Analysts point to inconsistencies in the GPRTU’s stance.

Records show that the union was previously allocated its own portion of land, carved out of Original Embossment’s allocation, under an arrangement reached with the developer and government officials.

It is therefore puzzling, observers note, that the GPRTU now alleges eviction from the enclave.

More troubling to analysts are allegations by some union members and traders that the developer is politically aligned with the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), and that the land should be reassigned if a change of government occurs. Commentators warn that such rhetoric could damage investor confidence and discourage private sector participation in urban redevelopment.

Jurisdictional Questions
Adding to the controversy is a jurisdictional wrinkle.

Although the land falls under the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, it was the Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) who addressed protesting traders, assuring them the property had been lawfully leased to the developer.

This has sparked questions about jurisdictional overreach.

Developer Maintains Legitimacy
For its part, Original Embossment and Manufacturing Company Limited has strongly rejected accusations of unlawful acquisition, insisting its lease was secured legally through the appropriate state institutions.

As more revelations emerge, including reports of unscrupulous officials allegedly working to frustrate the project, the CMB Abuja Market redevelopment is shaping up to be a test case for Ghana’s handling of land disputes, investor confidence, and political neutrality in business.