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Railway Development Authority denies 12 modern trains procurement, confirms only 2 acquired

Contrary to recent media reports claiming the procurement of 12 contemporary diesel-powered trains, the Ghana Railway Development Authority has clarified that only two trains have been acquired from Poland.
The Ghana Railway Development Authority has clarified that only two trains have been acquired from Poland.
The Ghana Railway Development Authority has clarified that only two trains have been acquired from Poland.

The revelation aims to rectify the misinformation and provide accurate details regarding the enhancement of the railway transport system.

Earlier reports suggested that the state had secured 12 trains for the Ghana Railways Company, intended to operate on both regional and long-distance lines.

Dismissing these claims, Yaw Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, confirmed in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM that the actual number is limited to two passenger coaches.

The acquired trains are scheduled to undergo testing on the Tema-Mpakadan Railway line, a project nearing completion, with approximately 98% of the work finished. The commissioning of this railway line is anticipated in May, marking a significant milestone in Ghana's transportation infrastructure.

Mr. Owusu clarified, stating, "For now, we are trying to test a commission at the Tema-Mpakadan line. It’s about 98 per cent, Tema port all the way to Mpakadan. To be able to commission and test the line, we have ordered two trains from Poland and not 12 trains."

He provided further details on the shipping schedule, noting that the first train is expected to arrive in March after being shipped in the middle of February.

The second train is set to be shipped in May and is anticipated to reach Ghana in August, during the summertime.

The clarification aims to dispel any confusion surrounding the number of trains procured, ensuring accurate information regarding the development and improvement of the country's railway transport system.

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