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At a historic event in Tema, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inaugurated the first Tema-Mpakadan Standard Guage Railway Line and the Diesel Multiple Unit Trains, marking the beginning of Ghana’s bold efforts to modernize the country’s transportation infrastructure and propel its economic growth.
The project, which cost about US$447 million and included a 300-meter railway bridge across the Volta River, was funded by an India Exim Bank credit facility. It is the result of the Akufo-Addo administration’s historic commitment to giving Ghana’s railway infrastructure a high priority.
Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo stated that the international recognition of the railway as the most effective means of moving vast quantities of people and bulk products has spurred efforts to attain this accomplishment.
He said, “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.”
Prior to that, the NPP government from the Kufuor era, has placed railway development at the forefront of its agenda, recognizing 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, the President 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 guage lines, he said, government, in 2018, initiated the 22-km Kojokrom to Manso Standard Guage section to mark the progressive transition to a modern railway system.
Additionally, government is financing the development of another 6-km Standard Guage 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.
He 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 said, “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.” he added.
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, and facilitating the seamless movement of good and products to and from northern Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries.
He 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.
Concluding, 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.”
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
