The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced its intention to revisit the original concept for the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line project if elected to government. In a statement signed by Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, the party emphasized its commitment to implementing a proper lake transport system for cargo to and from the Northern parts of the country, extending to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This, the party believes, will ensure the viability of the railway line project and expedite the repayment of the loan facility.
The statement highlighted the NDC's role in initiating the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line project under former President John Dramani Mahama's administration. It recalled the securing of funding from the EXIM Bank of India in 2016 for the design and construction of the railway line, as part of efforts to enhance connectivity between the Tema Port and the Northern regions, including landlocked countries in the Sahel region.
However, the NDC expressed disappointment with the current government's handling of the project, noting delays and a deviation from the original vision. Despite securing additional funding for the extension of the railway line, the neglect of developing the Volta Lake Port at Akosombo for lake transportation of cargo has hindered the project's viability, according to the NDC.
The statement underscored the importance of integrating lake transport with the railway line to facilitate the movement of goods between the Tema Port and the Northern regions. Without this integration, the project's effectiveness in easing traffic congestion and promoting economic development would be compromised.
Finally, the NDC called on the ruling government to acknowledge the project as a legacy of the NDC and urged proper credit for the party's initiative, similar to the recognition given to other infrastructure projects by previous administrations.
