Tema–Accra train derails after hitting cattle

Thursday morning rush hour on the Tema–Accra line came to an abrupt and unexpected end, not due to mechanical failure or human error, but because of two cows.

At approximately 7:30 a.m., shortly after pulling out of Avenor Station, a passenger train heading toward Odaw Station struck two cattle that had wandered onto the tracks. The impact was severe enough to derail the carriages, forcing an immediate halt to the journey and leaving passengers with no option but to step off the train and find alternative means to their destinations.

Both animals died at the scene.

For commuters who had boarded expecting a routine morning trip, the incident translated into unexpected delays and the scramble of finding last-minute alternatives during peak hours, a frustrating start to the day by any measure.

Beyond the immediate disruption, the derailment has reignited a longer-standing conversation about the state of the Accra–Tema rail corridor. Stray animals and encroachments along sections of the track have repeatedly been flagged as threats to the safety and reliability of rail operations, and Thursday’s incident has given that concern fresh urgency.

Rail authorities have since suspended service on the line and are expected to launch a full investigation into how the cattle gained access to the tracks. As of the time of this report, normal service had not been restored.