President Akufo-Addo (3rd L), being supported by John Peter Amewu (L), Minister of Railways and others to cut the tape to commission the Railway. (Pix by Gifty Lawson)
President Nana Akufo-Addo, has commissioned the first ever Tema-Mpakadan Standard Guage Railway Line and the Diesel Multiple Unit Trains at a historic event in Tema.
The project which also includes a 300-meter railway bridge over the Volta River, was financed through an India Exim Bank credit facility at a cost of US$447 million and represents a culmination of unprecedented 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 had been motivated by the global acknowledgment of the 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 programmes to build a modern railway system.”
On the development of Standard Guuge lines, he 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-kilometer 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 the project, which was conceived under the administration of His Excellency, President John A. Kufuor, is a good example of continuity in governments for national development.”
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.”
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.
Concluding, he told the gathering that, “the Tema-Mpakadan railway line is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Guided by our 2020 revised railway master plan, will continue to expand the reach of Ghana’s railway network to unlock the full potential of our economy. This is a vision that will require sustained investment, partnerships, and unwavering national will.”
A Daily Guide Report