President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially comissioned the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, marking a significant milestone in the country’s railway modernization efforts.
This groundbreaking 100-kilometer standard gauge railway line represents Ghana’s first modern rail infrastructure of its kind. The project, completed at a cost of $447 million through funding from the India Exim Bank, serves as a crucial component of the ambitious 1000-kilometer Ghana-Burkina Faso Interconnectivity Project.
The new railway line offers multiple strategic benefits for Ghana’s transportation sector:
- Creates a direct connection between Tema Port and Ghana’s northern regions
- Reduces road congestion and transportation costs
- Improves trade logistics and port operations efficiency
- Supports regional integration with neighboring countries
- Provides a sustainable alternative to road transport
Construction began in 2018 under the expertise of Afcons Infrastructure Limited, with Italian firm Team Engineering providing oversight. The project encompasses comprehensive infrastructure development, including tracks, bridges, stations, and supporting facilities.
The railway line is expected to deliver significant economic impacts:
- Generate employment opportunities for local communities
- Enhance agricultural and trade activities
- Facilitate easier movement of goods including fuel, cement, and farm produce
- Improve connectivity with landlocked neighboring nations
- Boost regional economic integration
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s commitment to railway development since 2017, highlighting this project as a cornerstone of Ghana’s transportation modernization strategy. The Railway Development Minister, John-Peter Amewu, noted that this development aligns with Ghana’s vision for an integrated, efficient transport network.
