The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has asserted that the Accra to Nsawam railway project could be completed within 17 months, provided dedicated funding is secured.
Dr Fredrick Appoh, the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, gave this assurance during an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
During the discussion, Dr Appoh explained that investing in the railway sector is a capital-intensive venture that requires three essential elements for success.
He identified these as political will—which he noted is being provided by President John Dramani Mahama—technical competence, and dedicated funding.
While he argued that the GRDA and other industry stakeholders possess the necessary expertise, he highlighted that the primary hurdle remains the lack of consistent financial support.
He noted that constructing a single kilometre of railway costs approximately $5 million, underscoring the need for robust investment.
Dr Appoh emphasised that the workforce within the rail sector has the capacity and skills required to transform the industry if backed by the right resources.
Addressing the specifics of the Accra to Nsawam project, he told host Kwabena Agyapong that the 17-month timeline is entirely feasible with an appropriate financial commitment.
“The Accra to Nsawam railway project can be completed within 17 months, provided we have dedicated funds. We can have two EPC companies to work on the project. No company will be given more than 30 kilometres to work on. You finish with one, and then move on to the next. We will give you KPIs, and if you fail to execute your contract as expected, your contract will be terminated.”
Turning his attention to the broader network, Dr Appoh indicated that the Accra to Kumasi railway project would require an investment of roughly $2.2 billion.
He proposed connecting the western railway lines at least as far as Nsuta to help preserve the nation’s road infrastructure.
By doing so, the transportation of mining materials could be shifted to rail, mitigating the damage currently seen on the roads.
He lamented the “terrible” state of the roads in the Western Region, which he attributed to heavy mining traffic. In addition to the western lines, he stressed the importance of upgrading the Tema, Achimota, Accra, and Nsawam routes. He reiterated that with the right backing, the authority could significantly expand the country’s rail footprint.
“Let me be honest: if we are given the needed funding, we can invest in about 200 kilometres of railway line. We need to actually construct the Accra to Kumasi railway lines. I mean double railway lines, including permanent ways, earthworks, rails, and everything; I need 2.2 billion dollars. This is what we need in terms of that.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
