On a historic day for Ghana, His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, marking a standard railway line in the country.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo described the project as a transformative achievement and a testament to progress in Ghana.
“This historic achievement, the first-ever standard gauge railway line in Ghana, symbolizes the bold strides we’re making to modernize our transport infrastructure and drive the economic growth of our nation.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
Reviving Ghana’s Railway Sector
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the revival and expansion of Ghana’s railway sector, which has been at the forefront of the government’s agenda since 2017.
He emphasized the critical role railways play in industrialization, trade facilitation, and socioeconomic transformation.
“Railways are acknowledged globally as the most efficient mode for transporting bulk goods and large numbers of people. They are a lynchpin for reducing the cost of doing business and fostering regional integration.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
To achieve this vision, the government established the Ministry of Railways Development in 2017, tasked with developing policies and programs to build a modern railway system. He highlighted that under his administration, over the past seven and a half years, substantial progress has been made in this sector.
Achievements in Railway Development
President Akufo-Addo highlighted some key achievements under his administration;
According to President Akufo Addo, 2017 the government rehabilitated a 66-kilometer narrow-gauge railway line to enhance manganese haulage.
He added that in 2018, construction began on a 22-kilometer standard gauge line from Kojokrom to Manso, marking the beginning of Ghana’s transition to a modern railway system.
He emphasized that in 2020, funding was secured to extend the Western Railway Line from Manso to Huni Valley, covering 78 kilometers.
Moreover, a six-kilometer standard gauge line from Adum to Kaase is under development, further expanding the Western Line’s capacity.
The Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line
The Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, a 100-kilometer stretch, is a vital component of Ghana’s first multimodal transport system.
It integrates rail, road, and inland water transport, linking Tema to the Port of Buipe via the Volta Lake.
“This project, conceived under the administration of His Excellency President John Agyekum Kufuor, is a good example of continuity in governance for national development.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
The railway line is expected to address several challenges hindering Ghana’s development, including road congestion, rapid road deterioration, and an increase in road accidents.
Economic and Social Benefits
The President outlined the far-reaching economic and social benefits of the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line.
By reducing reliance on road, transport for long-distance freight and passenger movement, the railway line will alleviate traffic congestion and extend the lifespan of critical road networks.
The railway line will enhance the efficiency of port operations at Tema, reducing vessel waiting times and container dwelling times, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports.
The integration of rail and inland water transport will lower freight costs and increase the viability of agricultural enterprises along Volta Lake.
He emphasized that it will also facilitate the seamless movement of goods to and from Northern Ghana and neighboring landlocked countries.
“The economic and social benefits of this project are far-reaching and transformative. By alleviating the pressure on our road network, we’ll extend the lifeline of critical routes including those around the Eastern corridor while simultaneously lowering the cost of transporting bulk goods, agricultural produce, and containers.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
Job Creation and Community Empowerment
The railway line’s construction, operation, and maintenance are expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities. This, according to Akufo Addo, will uplift countless Ghanaian households. He emphasized;
“This project is far more than just a railway line. It is a lifeline that will empower communities, invigorate businesses, and strengthen industries, ultimately making Ghana more resilient and prosperous.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
When fully operational, the multimodal network will link the Tema port to the north-south transport corridor, spanning some 400 kilometers.
It will open new opportunities for the movement of fuel, cement, containerized cargo, and agricultural produce, He emphasized; ”This railway line stands as a transformative intervention to address these pressing issues comprehensively.’’
The commissioning of the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey toward modernization and economic growth.
It underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and creating a more integrated and efficient transport system.
With the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line now operational, Ghana takes another step forward in its quest for industrialization and socioeconomic transformation.
READ ALSO; Merqury Quaye Expresses Disappointment on Kojo Manuel’s “No Tie” Comment
