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Dr. Frederick Appoh, Acting CEO of the Ghana Railways Development Authority (GRDA), has criticised the previous administration’s handling of the Tema–Mpakadan Railway Line, citing serious gaps that emerged following its ceremonial commissioning.
The 97‑kilometre, standard‑gauge line—officially opened on November 22, 2024, by former President Nana Akufo‑Addo—was funded with a $447 million credit facility from the India Exim Bank.
Hailed as a landmark project for modernising Ghana’s rail network, portions of the line remain non‑operational due to incomplete works.
Speaking on TV XYZ, Dr. Appoh explained that a thorough inspection on March 15, conducted soon after his appointment in February, uncovered extensive encroachment and theft.
Dr. Appoh further noted that key safety components and spare parts are virtually non‑existent, and that the previous government appears to have skipped critical testing before the ribbon‑cutting ceremony.
He said, “Since my appointment in February, we conducted an inspection of the Tema–Mpakandan railway on March 15 to prepare for the passenger service the President directed. My responsibility was to ensure the railway was fit for use; however, we have encountered extensive encroachment and vandalism. Traders have invaded the right‑of‑way, bolts and buffer stops have been stolen or destroyed, and aluminium sleepers and other materials have been removed by scrap dealers. “
“The signal control and command integration—which provides real‑time traffic data—has not been installed, despite last year’s ceremonial commissioning. Additionally, the fiber‑optic cable, which was replaced after a previous theft, was stolen again yesterday. It appears that the prior government did not test the signal system before commissioning. Currently, buffer stocks are virtually nonexistent, and many nuts and screws have been illicitly removed from the tracks.”
Despite these setbacks, Dr. Appoh assured Ghanaians that the GRDA is mobilising resources for urgent repairs, re‑installation of signalling equipment, and enhanced security along the corridor.
