Dr Fredrick Appoh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), has announced that the second phase of the government’s ambitious “Big Push” project will primarily focus on the railway sector.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Dr Appoh explained that while the project is divided into two stages—with the first dedicated to road infrastructure—the subsequent phase aims to revolutionise national transport.
In the medium term, however, the government intends to prioritise the development of the Western railway line. Dr Appoh indicated that a comprehensive master plan for 2026 is already in place, which actively seeks private sector involvement to achieve the ultimate goal of connecting all sixteen regions of Ghana.
Regarding the specific strategy, Dr Appoh stated: “As part of the Big Push initiative, this is part of our plan. But the Big Push is in two phases. Phase one focuses on roads, while Phase Two will focus on the railway sector. In the meantime, as a government, our priority is to make sure we are going to focus on the Western railway line. We have a master plan where we are looking for private sector involvement to develop the railway sector to connect the 16 regions.”
He further noted that President Mahama has demonstrated significant commitment to transforming the sector. To safeguard future expansion, plans have been adopted to reserve at least 200 feet on either side of the expressway for railway development.
Dr Appoh also highlighted the necessity of feasibility studies for the Kumasi Expressway project, a 188-kilometre stretch intended to accommodate a high-speed intercity rail connecting major urban hubs.
He emphasised that ensuring a connection to Boankra remains a vital component of this design.
While acknowledging that passenger services are a necessary public service obligation for any government, Dr Appoh stressed the urgent need to introduce cargo services.
To this end, plans are well advanced to introduce new trains for cargo and logistics, with services expected to commence as early as July this year.
These trains will boast the capacity to carry between twenty and thirty containers, with costs pegged at $10 per tonne.
This new logistics framework is expected to create jobs and streamline container movement, establishing a robust supply chain business that will open up the country’s economic corridors.
Dr Appoh warned that without a functional railway, the Boankra Inland Port project would essentially remain a “white elephant.”
He maintained that the terminal will only reach its full potential if it is linked via the Dunkwa bypass, allowing for the seamless transport of goods to both Takoradi and Tema ports.
Dr Appoh expressed confidence that, provided funding remains constant and projects proceed as scheduled, the Ghana railway sector will be one of the nation’s best-performing industries by 2028.
He shared his vision for the authority to transition from an institution that drains government resources into a productive sector that drives national development. Backed by the support of President Mahama, the Minister of Transport, and the Board and Management of the GRDA, he remains certain that the authority will become one of the most enviable agencies in the Republic of Ghana.
By: Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
