The Tema-Mpakadan railway line is expected to become operational soon, with officials outlining a new strategy that prioritises strong private sector involvement to boost efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Dr. Frederick Appoh, Executive Director of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, announced that a comprehensive operationalisation plan is being finalised to guide the relaunch of the railway corridor.
“We are going to have Tema-Mpakandan operationalisation strategy in place. We will operate that railway line and I want to assure the public that it is not going to be the same old way; you will be seeing private sector partners plying the Tema to Mapakadan railway,” he stated.
Originally commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of efforts to revitalise Ghana’s rail sector, the railway line has seen limited use due to setbacks during its test phase. Despite the acquisition of two modern trains, one was damaged during testing, leaving the service inactive and the trains idle for several months.
Dr. Appoh assured the public that the new approach would correct previous mistakes and deliver a more efficient, commercially viable rail service.
In addition to the Tema-Mpakadan corridor, the government is also planning to commission the Western Railway Line, which is expected to play a vital role in transporting manganese from the Nsuta Mines to the Takoradi Port.
“Also, as part of the president’s initiatives, the Western Railway line will be commissioned. We will do that to overhaul the manganese from Nsuta Mines to Tarkoradi Port,” he stated.
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