Bawumia plans to tap UMaT for local production for railway development in Ghana

Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced plans to use locally-produced materials for an ambitious railway development project, reinforcing his commitment to a "Buy Ghana First" policy to stimulate local industry. 

Speaking during his tour of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision to prioritise railway expansion alongside road development, focusing on major lines including Accra to Kumasi through to Paga, and Kumasi to Takoradi.

Dr. Bawumia highlighted discussions with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to explore ways of producing railway construction materials domestically. 

“I don’t want us to import the materials for the rails, the concrete slabs, and others,” he stated during an engagement with stakeholders in Agona, Afigya Sekyere East Constituency. “We have the resources here in Ghana and should be able to produce what we need.”

Expressing surprise at Ghana's reliance on imported materials for infrastructure, Dr. Bawumia said, “It surprises me that even concrete slabs for rail development are imported from China. How? We won’t import again—we have the technology and the capacity.”

He added that local production of railway materials would not only support the railway project but would also create jobs and enhance Ghana’s self-reliance in infrastructure development. “Building the railway lines will bring lots of jobs, but we have to develop the materials here and use our people,” he said, underscoring his aim to tap into Ghana’s untapped resources.

Dr. Bawumia also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the Akufo-Addo government’s extensive road projects. “Our government has focused on roads, and it’s important for me to continue what the Akufo-Addo government has done. But I want to give a special focus to railways,” he noted. He described strategic lines, including Accra to Kumasi through Paga and Kumasi to Takoradi, as critical for national development and connectivity.

The Vice President’s railway plan is set to be a major feature of his campaign platform, with promises of infrastructure that will boost Ghana’s economy and create long-term employment opportunities through local industry expansion.