The Western Region Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nana Kojo Toku has disclosed that plans are underway to expand railway infrastructure across the country, with particular attention paid to the Western Rail line.
According to him, the government is overhauling old and abandoned rail tracks and wagons on the Western Rail Line to create space for a reconstruction project.
Speaking on the Asem Yi Dzi Ka show on Connect 97.1 FM (a Media General radio station based in Takoradi), Nana Toku indicated that the President is committed to redeveloping the country’s railway infrastructure to facilitate trade and local economic growth.
The Regional Chairman mentioned that during a recent visit to China, the President engaged with investors for the development of the rail sector. He is hopeful that significant progress will be made by next year. He explained that this is the reason the old rail tracks and wagons are being decommissioned for scrap.
“The Chinese are going to reconstruct the rail lines. In fact, this was part of the issues the President discussed during his trip to China, and I was part of the delegation. They want us to clear all the old rail materials to pave the way for modern ones.
“In fact, the previous administration diverted the rail lines, and they even run through my hometown. All compensation payments have been completed, and construction of the new lines is expected to begin. The new locomotives cannot run on the old lines,” he added.
Nana Toku mentioned that among other proposals, the Chinese are offering modern electric-powered locomotives for Ghana’s rail sector. He believes this will be evaluated during the feasibility studies.
“…I tell you; this is not a one-year or five-year project. This is a long-term project. If we are able to clear all the old rail material by mid-year, we should expect the Chinese to come in and conduct the feasibility studies.
“It is a new thing altogether. Based on the discussions we’ve had with them, most of the trains will be electric.”
He also took the opportunity to dispel allegations of his involvement in the sale of old rail materials belonging to the Ghana Railway Company Limited in the Takoradi Port enclave—a matter that had sparked significant public outrage.
According to him, any transaction that was allegedly entered into by the constituency chairmen in Sekondi, Kwesimintsim, and Effia with scrap dealers “was without his knowledge.”
“I only assured the party chairmen that I would facilitate sending their letter to the Transport Minister, regarding the proposal they discussed with me,” he added.