The government is procuring two new locomotive engines and two wagons from the United Kingdom to strengthen the nation’s railway sector, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
According to the Ministry, the new locomotives will be deployed for passenger rail services, while the wagons will be used to transport cargo, including heavy minerals and other goods.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday 20 May, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, explained that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the railway sector and improve its operational efficiency.
He noted that officials from the Railway Development Authority and the Ministry’s Directorate of Rail Services are currently in the UK to inspect the equipment ahead of its acquisition.
“As I am speaking, the Chief Executive of the Railway Development Authority and the Director of Rail Services in my ministry are in the UK inspecting the passenger rail equipment we want to bring into the system.
“We are bringing two locomotive engines and two wagons to haul heavy metals like Ghana Manganese and other cargo in the rail sector,” he said.
Mr Nikpe added that expanding rail operations would create further employment opportunities within the Ghana Railway Company Limited, specifically providing active roles for staff who are currently underutilised.
“When we can bring these trains on board, we are going to employ more railway workers who are currently at home and being paid for doing nothing,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
