President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the first ever Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line and the Diesel Multiple Unit Trains at a historic event in Tema.
The commissioning done on Friday, was part of the Akufo-Addo government’s bold strides to modernize Ghana’s transport infrastructure to drive the economic growth of the country.
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 some US$447 million.
It 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 has been motivated by the globally acknowledgement of railway as the most efficient mode for transporting bulk goods and large numbers of people.
“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,” he stated.
Kufuor’s government on Railway Sector
Prior to the Akufo-Addo administration, the NPP government from the President John Agyekum Kufuor era, has placed railway development at the forefront of its agenda, recognising it as a powerful catalyst for industrialization, trade facilitation and socio-economic transformation.
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, President Akufo-Addo 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, he said, government, in 2018, initiated the 22-km Kojokrom to Manso Standard Gauge section to mark the progressive transition to a modern railway system.
Additionally, government is financing the development of another 6-km Standard Gauge 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.
President Akufo-Addo 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 added that, “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.”
Efficiency of port operations
President Akufo-Addo also noted that the new line, will 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.
This will facilitate the seamless movement of good and products to and from northern Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries.
President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to the government and people of India and the people of the communities affected by the construction of the project and charge them to take pride in it and protect it for generations to come.
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.”
Guinness World Record
The Minister for Railway Development, Mr. John Peter Amewu, noted that the first ever single standard gauge railway line in Ghana commenced in 2017 and it is a 97-kilometer railway line.
He noted that one of the major components of the project is the construction of a 300-meter rail bridge over the Volta Lake, the first of its kind in Africa.
“The magnificent rail bridge which is the first of its kind in Africa, and measures about 300 meters in length, located between Senchi and Old Akrade has been completed as part of this project.
“It is important to mention that as a result of the construction of the Senchi bridge, a significant engineering achievement is being awarded by the Guinness Book of records to give recognition to the world’s deepest recap fire bridge which goes as deep as 76 meters below water level,” Peter Amewu said.
“This is the first of its kind and Mr President, your infrastructure project for the first time is going into the Guinness Book of Records. We the people of Ghana are extremely excited about having been able to achieve this,” the Railway Development Minister added.
