Ghana’s proposed Volta Economic Corridor is undergoing technical assessment, with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).

The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme Secretariat (24H+) and technical partners examining infrastructure needed to establish an integrated transport and logistics network along the Volta River Basin.

The assessment team has conducted field inspections at the Mpakadan Rail Terminus, Akosombo Port and the Akosombo fuel jetty to evaluate existing infrastructure, transport connectivity and operational readiness for the proposed Multimodal Transport Project.

The inspections are intended to inform project preparation and identify infrastructure requirements for connecting rail, inland water transport and other logistics facilities.

The mission is appraising a US$2 million reimbursable grant facility from the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) to support project preparation.

The proposed corridor is expected to strengthen freight transportation, facilitate trade and create opportunities for agro-industrial development and export businesses across the Volta River Basin.

”The technical assessment focuses on the infrastructure, connectivity and operational readiness required to advance the proposed Multimodal Transport Project.”
24-Hour Economy Secretariat

Infrastructure Preparation and Investment

The Volta Economic Corridor is part of Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen transport infrastructure, stimulate industrial production and expand export capacity under the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.

The African Development Bank announced a partnership with the Government of Ghana in July 2025 to support the development of the corridor. The initiative involves collaboration with GIIF and the 24H+ Secretariat to explore infrastructure investments, financing arrangements and opportunities to attract private-sector participation.

The US$2 million NEPAD-IPPF facility under appraisal is intended to support the preparation of the project, rather than finance the entire construction programme. Further technical studies, financial assessments and investment planning will be required to determine the infrastructure upgrades, capital requirements and operational arrangements needed to advance the project.

The current assessment is therefore significant in establishing the technical foundations for subsequent investment decisions. Examining existing facilities can help identify gaps in infrastructure capacity, cargo-handling arrangements and connections between different transport modes.

”The proposed corridor seeks to connect transport infrastructure with agricultural and industrial production to support trade and export growth.”
24-Hour Economy Secretariat

Rail, Ports and Inland Water Transport

The Mpakadan Rail Terminus is an important component of the proposed logistics network because it provides a potential connection between rail services and inland water transport on the Volta Lake.

Such an arrangement could provide an alternative freight route for selected commodities and reduce reliance on road transportation for certain long-distance cargo movements.

However, the extent of these benefits will depend on infrastructure capacity, transfer arrangements, shipping services and the commercial viability of the complete transport chain.

The assessments at Mpakadan, Akosombo Port and the Akosombo fuel jetty are relevant to determining how existing infrastructure could support the proposed system.

The facilities serve different transport and operational functions, making it necessary to evaluate their suitability and connectivity within the wider corridor.

Efficient multimodal transportation requires coordination among rail operators, port authorities, vessel operators, road transport companies and cargo owners. Delays at transfer points or inadequate handling facilities can undermine the benefits of connecting different transport systems.

”Connecting rail, inland water transport and road networks could provide businesses with an alternative route for moving freight between southern Ghana and northern markets.”
24-Hour Economy Secretariat

Trade, Agriculture and Export Opportunities

The African Development Bank’s announcement of its partnership with Ghana identified logistics development, agricultural production, industrial expansion and cross-border commerce among the initiative’s intended objectives.

Improved connections between production areas and markets could support businesses seeking to expand distribution and export operations.

Agricultural producers and processors could potentially benefit from more transport options for moving commodities, processed foods and industrial inputs.

Reliable logistics connections are particularly relevant to enterprises that depend on moving goods between farming communities, processing facilities, warehouses and commercial markets.

The corridor could also create opportunities for transport operators, cargo-handling businesses, warehousing providers and other service companies. However, these opportunities will depend on the project’s final design, investment commitments, operating costs and the demand for freight services.

The project’s contribution to Ghana’s industrialisation and export ambitions will consequently depend on how effectively transport infrastructure is linked to productive economic activities. Businesses must also have access to suitable storage, processing facilities, financing and markets to take advantage of improved logistics.

”The project is expected to support agro-industrial activity and export development by improving logistics connections across the Volta River Basin.”
24-Hour Economy Secretariat

Project Preparation and Next Steps

The appraisal of the US$2 million NEPAD-IPPF reimbursable grant facility represents a project-preparation milestone for the proposed Multimodal Transport Project. The facility is intended to support preparatory work needed to assess the project’s feasibility and requirements.

The technical assessment will help establish the condition and suitability of the infrastructure examined during the field mission. Its findings are expected to inform further planning, including infrastructure requirements, financing needs and arrangements for connecting the different transport facilities.

The Volta Economic Corridor could strengthen connections between transport infrastructure and productive sectors, supporting Ghana’s longer-term objectives of expanding industrial activity, improving trade logistics and increasing export opportunities.