Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, minister of transport, has tasked the new Ghana Railway Development Authority Board to revitalise the country’s ailing railway sector.
Speaking at the Board’s swearing-in ceremony in Accra on Friday, he lamented the deterioration of the country’s rail network, attributing the decline to obsolete infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, limited human resource capacity, and insufficient funding.
“Railway operations are currently at unacceptable levels due to the poor nature of the railway tracks across the entire 947km narrow gauge network,” he said.
Mr. Nikpe, charged the 11-member Board, chaired by Mr. Aburi-Yinga Anamoo, to deliver a functional and inclusive railway system.
Members include Dr Frederick Appoh, Mr. George Lomotey, Mr. George Debrah, Mr. Komla Wogbemase, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, Mr. Kwame Kwakye, Dr James Kofi Kutsoati, Madam Nafisatu Iddrisu, and Mr. Tanko Mohammed. A representative from the Ministry of Finance is expected to join later.
Mr. Nikpe stressed the government’s commitment to transforming the sector, saying: “The revamping of our railway system is not just about laying tracks. It is about laying the foundations for industrial growth, improving logistics and trade, connecting communities, and creating sustainable jobs.”
He emphasised the Board’s role in ensuring regulatory oversight, strategic direction and mobilisation of private sector investment to support the sector’s revival.
“It is my expectation that this new board will work tirelessly in support of achieving the aspirations of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to revamp Ghana’s ailing railway infrastructure in partnership with the private sector,” he charged.
“I trust that with professionalism, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence, you will steer the GRDA toward delivering a railway system that truly works for Ghanaians,” Mr. Nikpe said.
He cautioned Board members against assuming management roles, urging them to stick strictly to their mandate.
Mr. Anamoo described the absence of active rail systems to complement road, air and water transport as a national “disaster” needing urgent intervention.
“We have cement, we have fuel, we have all sorts of things, clinker, being discharged from the harbour and transported by road all the way to Asante region. So, no matter the amount of money you’re going to spend in developing these roads, they will not last,” he said. “This is where we come in as rail.”
“We’ll rise up to the occasion and bring relief to ourselves (the country),” he assured.
Source: myghanadaily
