Ghana’s transportation sector reached a significant milestone as the first batch of 12 state-of-the-art trains, assembled in Poland, arrived at the Tema Port.
These trains are destined for use on the new Tema-Mpakadan standard-gauge railway line, marking a major advancement in Ghana’s railway infrastructure.
The Tema-Mpakadan railway line, stretching 97 km, is a vital corridor facilitating the movement of goods and people along Ghana’s Eastern corridor.
This railway line is part of a larger plan for the Ghana-Burkina Faso interconnectivity project, aiming to connect Ouagadougou to the Port of Tema, totaling 1000 km.
Construction of the railway line is nearly complete, with a targeted completion date of 2024. The trains will transport passengers from Mpakadan through Kpong, Juapong, Doryumu to the Tema Port, where passengers can transfer to a narrow-gauge line leading to Accra.
During the handover ceremony in Poland, CEO of the Ghana Railways Development Authority, Yaw Owusu, emphasized the importance of a robust railway system for industrialization and development. He thanked the Polish manufacturer, PESA, for their support and highlighted the benefits of a long-term relationship between Ghana and PESA for future business and maintenance.
These trains, designed for both regional and long-distance travel, are the first standard-gauge rolling stock in Ghana. They are expected to last over 30 years with consistent maintenance. Ghana has signed a 5-year agreement with PESA, with plans to extend the maintenance period to 10 years.
This procurement of modern trains is part of a comprehensive framework contract between Ghana Railways and PESA, with the option to order an additional 10 vehicles in the future. These modern trains are expected to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and passenger experience, contributing to the overall economic development of the railway network.
With the arrival of these modern trains, Ghana’s rail sector is poised for growth, aligning with the government’s agenda to develop a network of 4000 km of railway across the country. System testing, trial runs, and commissioning by the President are expected to take place in June 2024, heralding a new era of improved connectivity and economic growth in Ghana.