President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the railway line
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Friday officially commissioned the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line and diesel multiple unit trains, marking a historic achievement in Ghana’s transportation sector.
The 100-kilometer railway line, the first standard gauge railway in the country, is set to transform the nation’s infrastructure and fuel economic growth.
The new rail line, part of Ghana’s broader multimodal transport system, which integrates rail, road, and inland water transport, offers a sustainable alternative to the country’s heavily congested road network.
The line is part of the 1000 km Ghana-Burkina Faso Interconnectivity Project which will connect Ouagadougou to the Port in Tema
It will connect Tema Port to the northern regions, improve the efficiency of port operations and reduce traffic congestion on key roads.
The line is expected to lower transportation costs, improve trade logistics, and enhance the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports.
At a ceremony at the railhead near the Tema Harbour, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of the project as a cornerstone in the government’s commitment to modernizing Ghana’s railway system.
He noted that the government’s push to prioritize railway development since 2017 had resulted in substantial progress, including the rehabilitation of the Western Line and the expansion of key rail networks.
The President said the new railway line stood as a testament to Ghana’s forward-looking leadership and commitment to fostering sustainable development.
He said the infrastructure was a key part of our vision to reduce road traffic congestion, improve the safety of our transport system, and enhance regional integration.
“Railways are acknowledged globally as the most efficient mode for transporting bulk goods and large numbers of people. They are a linchpin for reducing the cost of doing business and fostering regional integration,” he stated.
The Tema-Mpakadan rail line, which began construction in 2018, was funded through a $447 million credit facility from the India Exim Bank and executed by Afcons Infrastructure Limited.
The project, overseen by the Italian engineering firm Team Engineering, includes extensive infrastructure, such as the construction of tracks, bridges, stations, and ancillary facilities.
It is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting local communities along the route.
The railway will also bolster agricultural and trade activities, facilitating the smooth movement of goods, including fuel, cement, and agricultural produce, across the country and to neighboring landlocked nations.
President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to the Indian government and the people of India for their support in realizing the project and praised the cooperation of local communities.
He urged all Ghanaians to take pride in and protect the railway line for future generations for it to bring long-term benefits to businesses, commuters, and communities alike.
Mr. Jonh-Peter Amewu, Minister for Railway Development, noted that the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line was a critical component of Ghana’s long-term vision for a modern, efficient, and interconnected transport network.