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The Arrival of Advanced Bullet Trains in Ghana as the country Ushers in New Era of Rail Transport
Louis Buyisiwe
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
In an exciting development for Ghana's transportation landscape, the first set of 12 cutting-edge bullet trains, assembled in Poland, has made its way to the Tema Port, signaling a major leap forward for the nation's rail sector. These state-of-the-art trains are set to operate on the newly constructed Tema-Mpakadan Standard-Gauge Railway Line, enhancing connectivity along Ghana's Eastern Corridor.
Spanning 97 kilometers, the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line is a crucial component of a larger vision aimed at fostering Ghana-Burkina Faso connectivity, linking Ouagadougou to Tema's port. This standard-gauge railroad is poised to revolutionize the transportation of goods and people, significantly boosting economic activities and accessibility in the region.
The collaboration with Polish manufacturer PESA marks a pivotal moment in Ghana's railway expansion. Yaw Owusu, CEO of the Ghana Railways Development Authority, highlighted the significance of this partnership, which is not only a testament to international cooperation but also a foundation for long-term growth and sustainability in Ghana's railway system.
The introduction of these modern trains is a key element in Ghana's broader strategy to construct a 4000km railway network, aligning with its industrialisation goals. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for passengers and accelerate economic growth by facilitating smoother movement across the country.
Preparations are underway for the official commissioning of the trains by the President in June 2024, following thorough system testing and trial runs. The recent visit by a delegation from PESA to Ghana's Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, reaffirms the commitment to expedite the operational readiness of these trains, aiming for the start of commercial operations by the end of May.
"An optimism and commitment have been expressed towards ensuring that the initiation of commercial train operations is realized before the end of May, which would showcase the government's dedication to enacting significant enhancements within the nation's transportation infrastructure," he said.
This transformative project underscores the Ghanaian government's dedication, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to advance the nation's transportation infrastructure, setting the stage for a new chapter in Ghana's economic and developmental journey.