President Akufo-Addo has stated that the government is mobilizing about $2 billion towards the development of railway infrastructure and services. According to him, the benefits of creating the Ministry of Railways Development are showing.
He indicated that the government has rehabilitated a section of the narrow-gauge Western line from Kojokrom to Tarkwa through Nsuta. This is to facilitate the haulage of manganese from Nsuta to the Takoradi Port. Another aim is to provide a passenger rail service along the corridor.
Specific railway projects
Touching on other projects within the railway sector, the President indicated that the construction of a new standard gauge line from Kojokrom through Eshiem to Manso is ongoing.
“A five hundred-million-euro (€500 million) contract has been signed for the construction of a standard gauge railway line from Manso to Huni Valley”.
He explained that the contract includes the conversion of the narrow-gauge tracks between Takoradi and Sekondi to standard gauge. It also includes the development of standard gauge tracks from the Takoradi station to the Takoradi Port for efficient and effective access for cargo handling.
“The development of the project will result in the construction of 102km of rail tracks between the Port of Takoradi and Huni Valley. Contracts for standard gauge railway lines from Kumasi to Kaase, Kaase to Eduadin, Eduadin to Obuasi, Eduadin to Ejisu with a linkage to the Boankra Inland Port, Manso to Dunkwa, have all been signed”.
He further indicated that the Tema to Mpakadan rail project is currently about 80% complete. He added that the rehabilitation of the Railway Training School and two location workshops are also near completion.
Meanwhile, the president stated that the Ghana School of Railways and Infrastructure Development, has matriculated its first batch of students. He further revealed that the school will begin awarding certificates and diplomas in engineering and other related courses. The school is under the George Grant University of Mines and Technology.
Second Year of Roads
The president also highlighted the progress in road construction after his declaration of 2021 as the “Second Year of Roads”. He explained that the aim of the declaration is to continue to prioritize road construction. This according to him, will make it possible to complete road projects started under the Sinohydro facility. It will also aid the completion of interchanges that are at various stages of completion.
Meanwhile, the President hinted that to revive the fortunes of the metro mass public transport system, the Government has provided a total of 100 buses each for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) and Intercity STC Coaches Limited.
Maritime and inland waterways transportation
He also hinted that the construction of a new dedicated container terminal at the Tema Port is underway. Meanwhile, he noted that 3 out of 4 berths are now ready to facilitate maritime and inland waterways transportation.
President Akufo Addo further noted that the development of a multipurpose container terminal at the Takoradi Port is progressing. He noted that work on Yeji-Aworjekope is also ready to improve the safety of navigation and reduce accidents on Volta Lake.
The construction of ferry landing sites along the Volta Lake at Dambai and Dambai Overbank is sixty-eight (68%) complete. Whilst that of Yeji, Makango, and Agodeke is forty-six percent (46%) complete. In total, seven (7) rescue and high-speed patrol boats have been procured by the Ghana Maritime Authority. They were deployed into service to improve the safety and security of the maritime domain and inland waterways.
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