Tema-Mpakadan Railway, 2 new trains to be commissioned

After years of planning and construction, Ghana’s 97.6-kilometer Tema-Mpakadan standard gauge railway line is set to be inaugurated this Friday. Yaw Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), shared the news during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show.

President Nana Akufo-Addo will lead the commissioning ceremony at the Tema Harbour, where he will also unveil two newly acquired trains set to operate on the line.

“The seating capacity for the trains is 120 for one and 150 for the other. With additional funding, we plan to acquire more trains,” Mr. Owusu said.

Private investors will also be given the chance to run trains on the line, provided they comply with all necessary requirements.

Mr. Owusu highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the newly acquired trains, which are priced between $4 million and $5 million each.

“These trains are modern, spacious, and well-designed, offering excellent value for money,” he noted.

Efforts are underway to introduce online ticketing for passengers, Mr. Owusu said, adding that the trains will undergo a two-month test run before regular operations begin.

“This test run is critical to ensure everything is running smoothly before we officially launch operations,” he explained.

Mr. Owusu dismissed suggestions that the timing of the commissioning was linked to the upcoming elections, assuring that the project’s completion is coincidental.

“This isn’t being rushed because of the elections,” he emphasized.

Additionally, he assured the public that the trains come with a one-year warranty and a five-year maintenance agreement as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan.

The Tema-Mpakadan railway line is a crucial part of the Ghana-Burkina Faso Interconnectivity Project, aimed at enhancing transportation links between the two countries.

The railway, which began construction in 2018, features the iconic 300-meter-long bridge over the Volta River, a key highlight of the project.

As Ghana prepares for this significant milestone, the railway is expected to bolster economic activity and regional connectivity.