Fate of our train
I have followed developments after the unfortunate accident of our newly acquired train built in Poland for the Tema Mpakadan rail service.
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The careless driver, whose reckless action caused the accident, was put before the court and dealt with according to law. He was given a jail term. Subsequently, nothing has been heard about the fate of the train, as to repair works and a possible timeline for the commencement of services on that line.
I am informed that it will cost about $2 million to restore the train for services to commence. I am also aware that the train was duly insured before the trial run leading to the unfortunate accident. The Railway authorities must speak up on the state of affairs on our damaged train.
The rail line, which was started by the John Mahama government, was originally meant to convey goods from the Port of Tema to the inland port at Akosombo for lake transport to Buipe for onward transportation to landlocked areas in the north.
Later, we were informed that the rail line would be turned into the transport of passengers along the rail line corridor. Whatever informed this change of mind has not been publicly stated, but my concern is why a costly project should be left idle because of a paltry $2 million needed for repairs.
Whichever insurance company did the cover for the train should be ordered to pay for the cost of repairs immediately.
Asst. Comm. Mark Logo (retd),
Formerly of the Customs
Division of the GRA
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System Summary
The article "Fate of Our Train" analyzes the current state of Ghana’s railway system, highlighting significant challenges such as infrastructure decay, funding shortages, and management issues.
It discusses opportunities for improvement, including modernization, increased investment, and public-private partnerships. It also emphasizes the potential economic and social benefits of revitalizing the railway network and provides recommendations for addressing the existing problems.