President Mahama Orders Extension of Tema-Dawa Railway Line

Accra, October 20, 2025
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Transport to begin processes for the extension of the railway line from Tema Port to the Dawa Industrial Enclave in the Greater Accra Region.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the directive was issued during a meeting with Organised Labour, led by Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC). The meeting focused on addressing salary arrears of railway sector workers.

Strategic Railway Expansion

President Mahama emphasised that while awaiting the completion of the Mpakadan Inland Port on the Volta Lake, the Tema–Dawa line should be constructed and made operational to ease cargo transport from the Port to the Industrial Enclave.

He added that the route would also serve as a commuter link for workers travelling from Ashaiman to Dawa, improving accessibility and reducing transport costs.

Labour and Logistics Measures

The President noted that the Minister for Finance would be briefed on the railway workers’ salary arrears to ensure budgetary allocation for their payment.

He also revealed that, based on recommendations from the Transport Ministry, over 100 railway workers would be transferred from the Western Region to Tema to support operations on the Tema–Mpakadan line. Retiring workers, he assured, would receive adequate compensation.

Recycling and Local Execution

President Mahama further directed that the dismantling of old railway tracks be carried out by railway workers themselves, with all retrieved metals sent directly to factories for recycling, ensuring value retention within the local economy.

TUC’s Appreciation

Mr Joshua Ansah, on behalf of the TUC, expressed appreciation to the President for his swift intervention and commitment to resolving long-standing concerns affecting railway workers.

Officials in Attendance

Also present were:

• Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Adviser and Special Aide
• Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport
• Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment
• Dr Frederick Appoh, CEO, Ghana Railway Development Authority