State prosecutors have informed an Accra High $2,138,466.66 will be required to repair Ghana’s trains that got damaged through an accident a few weeks ago.
This, according to the prosecutors, is from the evaluators from Poland who assessed the cost of repairing train.
Four person are on trial for allegedly causing the damage of the new train intended for the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
The accused persons are Kokuo Koudjo, Patrick Kwaku Sosu, Alaza Prosper, and Fiadugbe Emmanuel.
Yesterday, the state withdrew the initial charge sheet, presenting a revised version to the court.
According to the updated charges, the first accused had purchased concrete blocks in Juapong, Volta Region, and transported them to Abutia, also in the Volta Region.
After delivering the blocks, the accused and his colleagues attempted to use the railway as a shortcut, piling stones on the tracks to allow their truck to cross.
Unfortunately, the truck became stuck.
At that very moment, the Railway Authority was conducting a test run on the same rail line, resulting in the collision and subsequent damage to the train.
The four accused face multiple charges, including violating the Railway Act by using the railway line, aiding in endangering train passengers, unlawfully placing stones on the tracks, and causing unlawful damage.
They have all pleaded not guilty.
Despite the prosecution’s request for the accused to be remanded in Nsawam Prison, the court granted them bail of GHC200,000 each, with one surety to be justified.
The case is adjourned until June 27.
When the incident happened, Minister for Railways Development, Mr John Peter Amewu, clarified that Ghana will not bear the cost of repairing the train, as outlined in the purchase agreement.
