Ministry of Transport Rebuts Critics Over Rail Investment as Government Overhauls Key Infrastructure Projects

The Ministry of Transport has strongly defended the government's acquisition of two refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, dismissing criticisms that labeled the equipment as outdated or "museum pieces." The Ministry asserted that the US$3.18 million (approximately GH 37.6 million) investment is a cost-effective strategy to revitalize Ghana’s freight operations, particularly along the Tema-Mpakadan railway corridor. Officials emphasized that the locomotives, which underwent comprehensive overhauls in the United Kingdom, come with a five-year warranty and an expected operational lifespan of at least 15 years, positioning them as vital revenue-generating assets for the state.

Beyond the rail sector, the government is navigating complex infrastructure challenges across the country. In Parliament, the Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, announced the termination of the Odaw River drainage construction contract due to persistent poor performance by the contractor. The project, a central component of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) program, is now being repackaged for re-tendering with World Bank approval. This move coincides with an urgent appeal from Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe, for immediate repairs on the Mallam-Weija stretch of the Accra-Kasoa highway, where deteriorating road conditions and drainage flaws have caused commuters to endure traffic delays of up to four hours.

In the Oti Region, however, infrastructure development appears to be gaining momentum. Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong confirmed that preparatory works for the Dambai Bridge have entered a critical phase, with a temporary steel bridge scheduled for installation by the end of July 2026. This temporary structure will serve as the primary working platform for the construction of the main bridge across the River Oti. Significant mobilization, including the deployment of heavy-duty equipment and the establishment of worker residences, has sparked optimism among local residents who anticipate that the bridge will transform regional trade and improve access to essential services.

Collectively, these developments highlight the administration's dual focus on completing large-scale connectivity projects while managing the fallout from underperforming contractors and aging road networks. While the Ministry of Transport remains firm that its railway investments will recover costs within two years through enhanced logistics efficiency, the broader success of these initiatives will depend on the government’s ability to resolve ongoing drainage issues and modernize legal frameworks. Additionally, the Ministry of Works and Housing is looking to update the nation's rent laws to better protect tenants, signaling a multifaceted approach to national development and social welfare.