The Ministry of Transport has announced that the government is procuring two new locomotive engines and two wagons from the United Kingdom to strengthen the railway sector.
According to the Ministry, the locomotives will be used for passenger rail services, while the wagons will support the transportation of cargo, including heavy minerals and other goods.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, May 20, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to revamp the railway sector and improve operational efficiency.
He explained that officials from the Railway Development Authority and the Ministry’s Directorate of Rail Services are currently in the UK inspecting the equipment ahead of acquisition.
“As I am speaking, the Chief Executive of the Railway Development Authority and the Director of Rail Services in my ministry are in the UK inspecting the passenger rail equipment we want to bring into the system.
“We are bringing two locomotive engines and two wagons to haul heavy metals like Ghana Manganese and other cargo in the rail sector,” he said.
Mr. Nikpe added that the expansion of rail operations would create additional employment opportunities within the Ghana Railway Company Limited, including for staff currently idle.
“When we can bring these trains on board, we are going to employ more railway workers who are currently at home and being paid for doing nothing,” he added.