Ghana's Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project: Scope Expanded, Progress Delayed

The Tema-Mpakadan railway project in Ghana, originally conceived in 2007, has undergone significant changes in scope and faced delays under the current NPP government led by President Akufo-Addo. The project, aimed at improving transportation of goods and connectivity between the Tema Port and northern parts of Ghana, secured $398 million in funding from the EXIM Bank of India in 2016 under the previous NDC government.

According to Krobea Kwabena Asante, the project's genesis can be traced back to a 2007 feasibility study conducted by Dar Al Handasah Consultant and financed by the Government of Ghana through the Bank of Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The study, submitted in 2009, was later incorporated into Ghana's railway master plan in 2013. In May 2017, the NPP government renegotiated the loan agreement, reducing the interest rate and changing the definition of the 'Buyer' from the Ministry of Transport to the Ghana Railway Development Authority.

The original project scope, as captured in the parliamentary Hansard, included a 97.625km single standard gauge railway line, bridges, culverts, and a major bridge across the Volta River near Senchi. However, in 2020, the project description was revised to include additional components, such as more bridges and culverts.

Despite these changes, the project has faced significant delays under the current NPP government. The original plan to develop the Volta Lake Port at Akosombo to facilitate cargo transportation has been neglected, with the government only securing an additional $48 million to extend the line by 13km to Mpakadan. Critics argue that this decision has rendered the project unviable, as the railway line can now only transport passengers, not goods, defeating the main purpose envisioned by the NDC government.

Why this matters: The Tema-Mpakadan railway project holds significant potential for enhancing Ghana's transportation infrastructure and economic development. The delays and changes in scope under the current government have raised concerns about the project's viability and its ability to fulfill its original objectives of facilitating efficient cargo movement and regional connectivity.

The NDC has called for the next government to revisit the project and implement the proper lake transport system to make it viable. "The Tema to Akosombo (now Mpakadan) railway project was initiated by the NDC government led by John Dramani Mahama in 2016 to improve transportation of goods and connectivity between the Tema Port and northern parts of Ghana," Asante stated. The ongoing debate highlights the contrasting visions and approaches to national infrastructure development by Ghana's leading political parties, reflecting broader political and economic challenges in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Tema-Mpakadan railway project in Ghana secured $398M from India's EXIM Bank in 2016.
• Project scope expanded under current NPP govt, but original plan to develop Volta Lake Port neglected.
• Railway line now only transports passengers, not goods, defeating original purpose of cargo movement.
• NDC calls for next govt to revisit project and implement proper lake transport system to make it viable.
• Debate highlights contrasting visions of Ghana's leading political parties on infrastructure development.