Government launches monthly railway dialogue
As part of measures to revitalize the ‘inactive’ railways sector in the country to create an affordable alternative means of transport, the Ministry of Railways Development has launched a monthly dialogue to engage academic knowledge and the general public on viable solutions.
Read full articleThe railways, as a means of transport, in the country has for some years been rendered nonfunctional owing to financial constraints among other reasons.
According to the Minister of Railways Development, Joe Ghartey the move is to enable government seek expertise knowledge as well as address concerns of the general public with regards to the railway sector.
“…the objective of our engagement is to engage with our stakeholders to ensure that any individual or organization that is directly or indirectly affected by government policies for the railway sector, as well as any plan or ongoing developments within the sector, becomes part of the development process…,” Mr Ghartey said.
In April this year, government signaled a possible commencement of a $2.2 billion worth Eastern railway line which when completed will link Tema, Accra and Kumasi.
The president also on several platforms intimated that “one of the legacies I want to leave is a modern railway network” which will serve as an alternative means of transport.
Reacting to this, the sector Minister speaking at the Inaugural Railway Dialogue, Friday, September 6, 2019, reiterated the president’s vision for the railway sector and charged all stakeholders to rally support in realizing this dream.
He said, “the president…has prioritize the railway sector to serve as a catalyst for the industrialization, the socio-economic development of our nation.”
He noted that one of the biggest challenges the ministry is faced with is encroachment along railway lines. While several attempts aimed at relocating squatters have succeeded others are yet to yield results.
That notwithstanding, the minister pointed at some already renovated railway stations in the country. One at Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region, Accra-Tema train service and others.
Mr Ghartey revealed that plans are underway for the construction of a port, railway lines and a national park at Mpakan in the Western Region. A project which has an estimated amount of $440 million.
