According to President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Government is currently mobilizing about US$ 2bn to support the implementation of the ongoing rail projects in Ghana.
While addressing the nation on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the Ghanaian Head of State recalled that a contract of US$ 597M was signed for the construction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Manso and Huni Valley, in the West region of the country.
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This contract includes the conversion of the existing line between Takoradi and Sekondi from narrow gauge to standard gauge, as well as the development of an SGR freight line from Takoradi station to Takoradi port. The latter is meant to enable effective and efficient handling of goods.
The president also welcomed the rehabilitation of the Kojokrom – Tarkwa (narrow gauge) section on the west line, which will facilitate the transport of manganese from the mining town of Nsuta to the port of Takoradi. He also praised the ongoing work in the Tema – Mpakadan SGR line that has an achievement rate of around 80%.
The Tema – Mpakadan SGR line, which is being constructed by the Indian AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, stretches for nearly 99 km, from Tema in the Greater Accra region to Mpakadan in the east region of the country.
Other priority projects
The construction of Manso – Dunkwa, Kumasi – Kaase, Kaase – Eduadin, Eduadin – Obuasi, and Eduadin – Ejisu SGR lines, with a secondary link to the inner port of Boankra, contracts of which have already been signed are some of the other priority projects for the Ghanaian government.
The West African country Ministry of Railway Development, through the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), is also planning the complete rehabilitation of 300 km of existing (narrow gauge) railway lines, as well as the construction of 10 new stations and the modernization of eight more on the country’s rail network by 2023.
