The government has partnered with Thelo DB, a South African company, and Transtech Consult Limited, a Ghanaian company, to upgrade the Western Railway Line's rail infrastructure from Huni Valley to Dunkwa via Awaso and Nyinahin to Eduadin in order to improve freight transportation efficiency.
When it's done right, the move will be one of the biggest investments in the country's Railway Master Plan. It's expected to make it easier to get around on major roads and bring in more Manganese and Bauxite.
During a brief ceremony to sign the agreement, the Honorable John-Peter Amewu, Minister for Railway Development, stated that the project is essential to Ghana's GDP growth due to the estimated annual haulage of seven million metric tons of manganese and fifteen million metric tons of bauxite.
He expressed concern about the deterioration of numerous roads as a result of the frequent transportation of bulk commodities and natural resources on the roads, as well as the neglect of the Western Railway Line and the majority of the country's rail lines. As indicated by the Priest, the progress of the incorporated aluminum bauxite industry that is being advanced by Government relies upon effective rail transportation.
Hon. Amewu said that Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) will be the rail operator and Thelo DB Consortium will be the rail manager under the agreement.
Ronnie Ntuli, Chairman of Thelo DB Consortium, stated that the project is crucial to the development of Africa because connecting rail connects Africa. He reassured the government that the project will assist in lowering the cost of transportation and guarantee operation safety.
Mr. Ntuli stated that as part of the project, they will empower young Ghanaians through skill development to promote knowledge transfer and ensure an upgrade to the rail transportation system.
He confirmed that the Consortium would adhere to the agreement for the modernization of Ghana's rail system.
Dr. Daniel Kwame Adzogble, Chairman of the Ghana Railway Company Limited's Board of Directors, and Ing. Dr. Michael Anyetei and Mr. Godwill Ntarmah, General Secretary of the Railway Workers Union, promised to give the company their full support to ensure that the Consortium performs as expected.
