The Ghana Railway Development Authority has unveiled a new national railway master plan focused on connecting major cities and strengthening both cargo and passenger transport across the country.
The plan, officially presented by GRDA Chief Executive Officer Dr Frederick Appoh, sets out a strategy to improve operational efficiency, increase investor returns, and draw stronger private sector participation in rail infrastructure development.
According to Dr Appoh, the core of the strategy is to align railway expansion with Ghana’s key mining and production zones to guarantee steady freight volumes and sustainable revenue.
He explained that long term returns will depend largely on integrating rail lines with mineral corridors, including manganese, bauxite, and iron ore routes, as well as linking cocoa producing areas to transport hubs. He noted that passenger services alone may not generate sufficient profit, but combining them with bulk freight movement makes rail investment more attractive and viable.
The initiative, named the Ghana Railway Master Plan 2026, will be promoted through a nationwide roadshow aimed at engaging prospective private investors and strategic partners.
Dr Appoh said the plan was developed in collaboration with GIADIC and GISDEC, with further coordination ongoing with agencies in the trade and mining sectors to complete the final framework.
He added that beyond improving rail mobility, the master plan is structured to unlock significant private capital for railway infrastructure while positioning rail transport as a practical alternative to road haulage for heavy cargo across Ghana.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson