The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has unveiled a comprehensive railway master plan aimed at connecting major cities across the country and providing a reliable alternative for both cargo and passenger transportation.
Presenting the plan, Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Dr Frederick Appoh, said the initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance returns on investment, and attract increased private sector participation in the railway sector.
According to Dr Appoh, the long-term financial sustainability of Ghana’s railway system depends on strategically integrating rail infrastructure with the country’s mining and agricultural value chains.
“This master plan focuses largely on creating incentives and ensuring returns on investment. One of the key strategies is linking the railway system to the mining sector,” he said.
He explained that the proposed rail network will support the bulk transportation of minerals including manganese, bauxite, and iron ore, while also connecting major cocoa-producing areas to domestic markets and export ports.
Dr Appoh noted that passenger services alone are often not commercially viable, but combining them with freight operations makes railway investment more attractive to private investors.
The initiative, known as the “Ghana Railway Master Plan 2026“, will be rolled out through a nationwide roadshow to engage potential investors and stakeholders.
He further revealed that the plan was developed in collaboration with institutions such as the Ghana Infrastructure and Investment Development Centre (GIADIC) and the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC). Ongoing engagements are also underway with agencies in the trade, mining and allied sectors to finalise implementation frameworks.