President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Friday commissioned the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Guage Railway Line and the Diesel Multiple Unit Trains in Tema as part of the government’s efforts to modernise Ghana railway infrastructure to drive economic growth.
The project, which also includes a 300-meter railway bridge over the Volta River, was financed at US$447 million through an India Exim Bank credit facility.
This project represents a culmination of commitment by the Akufo-Addo government to prioritise the revival and expansion of Ghana’s railway infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo said efforts towards the realisation of this achievement has been motivated by the global acknowledgement of railway as the most efficient mode for transporting bulk goods and large numbers of people.
He said, “They are the linchpin for reducing the cost of doing business and fostering regional integration.
“This conviction led to the establishment of the Ministry of Railways Development in 2017, tasked with the singular mission of designing and executing policies and programs to build a modern railway system.”
Since then, the Ministry has worked assiduously to develop an integrated rail network that enhances the movement of goods and people, facilitates trade and accelerates industrial and economic growth.
Highlighting some of the key achievements undertaken since 2017 to revive Ghana’s railway infrastructure, the President said, the 66-kilometre narrow gauge Western Line Rehabilitation, was successfully rehabilitated from Kojokrom to Tarkwa to enhance manganese haulage.
On the development of Standard gauge lines, President Akufo-Addo said, the government, in 2018, initiated the 22-km Kojokrom to Manso Standard Guage section to mark the progressive transition to a modern railway system.
Additionally, the government is financing the development of another 6-km Standard Guage line from Adum to Kaasi, thereby extending the capacity of the Western Line further.
“Today, however, we gather to celebrate the completion of the Tema-Mpakadan railway line. A vital component of Ghana’s first multimodal transport system.
This 100-kilometre railway line complements a visionary transport system that integrates rail, road and inland water transport, connecting Tema-Port to Buipe Port via the Volta Lake,” he noted.
He said, “By reducing our reliance on road transport and long-distance freight and passenger movement, this railway line will address several critical challenges that have hindered Ghana’s development.”
“It will decongest significantly our roads, alleviating the heavy burden that has led to severe traffic congestion, the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure, and an alarming increase in road accidents,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo explained that the new line would also enhance the efficiency of port operations at Tema, minimising vessel waiting times and container dwelling times, thereby boosting the competitiveness of our ports.
The integration of rail and inland water transport will also transform trade and agriculture by lowering freight costs, increasing the viability of agricultural enterprises along the Volta Lake, and facilitating the seamless movement of goods and products to and from northern Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries.
He expressed gratitude to the government and people of India and the people of the communities affected by the construction of the project and charged them to take pride in it and protect it for generations to come.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah
