President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stressed that his administration, through the Ministry of Railway Development, has successfully revived the country’s railway sector.
He stated that the government has implemented modern railway systems, including the Kojokrom to Manso line, Manso to Huni Valley, and the Kumasi rail network among others.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Tema-Mpakadan standard gauge railway line and diesel multiple unit trains, on Friday November 22, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that this development would ease the burden on road transport.
“This project is proof of what is possible with vision, commitment and hard work. As President, I pledged to prioritise the revival and expansion of Ghana’s railway sector and today [Friday] we take another giant leap forward in fulfilling that promise. Since 2017, the Akufo-Addo government has placed railway development at the forefront of its agenda. Recognising it as a powerful catalyst for industrialisation, trade facilitation and socio-economic transformation. Railways are acknowledged globally as the official mode for transporting bulk goods and large numbers of people. Over the past seven and half years, we made substantial progress in reviving Ghana’s railway infrastructure.
He recalled, “In 2017 we successfully rehabilitated the 66-kilometre narrow gate section of the western line, from Kojokrom to Tarkwa to enhance Manganese haulage. In 2018, we initiated the construction of a 22-kilometre standing gauge section between Kojokrom and Manso. This is a mark of the beginning of our transition to another railway transition system, in 2020 we secured funding to extend the western rail line from Manso to Huni Valley, covering 78 kilometres and linking directly to the port of Takoradi.
“Just to provide seamless connectivity for the transportation of minerals, bulk cargo and other goods. We’re financing the development of a 6-kilometer- standard gauge line in Kumasi from Adum to Kaase extending further to the western line capacity. Today, [Friday] however, we gather to celebrate the completion of the Tema Mpakadan railway line, a vital component of our transport system. This 100-kilometer railway line complements a visionary transport system.”
John Peter Amewu, Minister for Railway Development indicated that the new Tema-Mpakadan standard gauge railway line and diesel multiple unit trains would reduce travel time from Tema to Mpakadan from three hours to under an hour.
He further noted that individuals travelling from Akosombo, through Afienya to Tema, would greatly benefit from this project.
“For the first time in Ghana’s history, the government has procured two brand new modern diesel multiple units known as the DMU unit, which is going to be used to commence passengers real operation which will lead to a significant reduction in the travelling time from currently about three hours to one hour from Akosombo through Afienya,” Amewu added.
#GhanaPolls2024
#CitiVerify
#ElectionBureau
