Gov’t secures US$21 million EU grant to complete Tema–Mpakadan Railway
The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has announced that the government has secured a US$21 million grant from the European Union Commission to complete outstanding works on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line amid concerns over its readiness for full commercial operations.
According to the Authority, a forensic audit commissioned by the current administration found that several critical systems were either incomplete or non-functional when the railway line was commissioned.
The audit identified deficiencies in key operational and safety infrastructure, including the signalling system, public address system, level crossing controls and point machines, all of which are essential for the safe and efficient movement of trains.
GRDA officials said the findings highlighted significant concerns about the railway’s ability to operate safely without additional technical improvements.
Addressing a press conference, GRDA Chief Executive Officer Dr Frederick Appoh disclosed that Ghana successfully secured the funding through the European Union Sustainability and Interoperability Grant Scheme for Africa after a competitive application process.
He explained that the grant would finance the completion and upgrade of the railway’s signalling infrastructure, including the installation of an ETCS Level 1 signalling system to enable the corridor to become fully operational.
Dr Appoh said the achievement followed directives from Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe and the efforts of the GRDA’s technical team, who successfully competed for the grant.
The Authority said the funding will help speed up work on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line while enhancing safety, reliability and operational efficiency as part of Ghana’s broader railway modernisation programme.
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