The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), led by its Acting CEO, Dr Fredrick Appoh, conducted an inspection exercise on the Tema-Mpakadan rail line on 15 March 2025, as part of preparations for the operationalisation of the line, scheduled for mid-next month. The exercise aimed to ensure the line’s readiness for passenger services from Tema to Adomi Railway Station.
The inspection team used a utility truck and was accompanied by contractor AFCONS, staff of the Ghana Railway Company, and members of the media. The programme commenced at 9:30 am, with several stops made along the way. During the exercise, the team identified several concerns, including stolen bolts, trespassing, animal crossings, and pedestrian traffic on the rail line.
The team also observed that thieves had begun removing bolts from the rail line, and Dr Appoh assured that measures would be put in place to address the issue. The team further engaged with local communities, visiting the bereaved family of a woman who was sadly knocked down by the utility truck at Badiako on 3 March 2025.
At Afienya Station, the team encountered a resident digging a drain to connect with the existing drainage system constructed to ensure the free flow of water and protect the line. The team intervened to resolve the issue.
The exercise concluded at the Mpakadan rail head, where Dr Appoh addressed the media, highlighting the President’s vision for a functional railway system that operates 24/7, creates jobs for the youth, boosts the local economy, and provides safe and convenient transportation.
Dr Appoh emphasised the importance of community engagement, stating that residents and stakeholders along the right-of-way are being educated on the dangers of walking on or near the tracks. He assured that all stakeholders, including chiefs, churches, mosques, and schools, are being engaged to ensure cooperation.
The primary objective of the inspection exercise was to identify potential safety risks and take corrective measures to prevent train accidents and fatalities along the right-of-way. The inspection exercise was documented with photographs, marking the conclusion of the event.
The Tema-Mpakadan rail line is part of a larger project to improve connectivity between Tema Port and the northern regions of Ghana, involving the construction of a 97.6 km standard gauge railway line, with six passenger stations and a freight terminal.
