Contrary to media reports suggesting the acquisition of 12 trains, the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has confirmed the procurement of only two contemporary diesel-powered trains from Poland to enhance the railway transport system.
Earlier reports indicated that the state had secured a total of 12 trains for the Ghana Railways Company, intended to operate across regional and long-distance lines.
However, the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Yaw Owusu, clarified the situation in an interview with Citi News.
Yaw Owusu explained that the acquired trains, which are passenger coaches, will undergo testing on the Tema-Mpakadan Railway line.
He highlighted that the railway line's completion stands at approximately 98%, with commissioning plans slated for May.
He further elaborated, stating, “For now, we are trying to test a commission at the Tema-Mpakadan line. It's about 98 percent, Tema port all the way to Mpakadan.
To be able to commission and test the line, we have ordered two trains from Poland and not 12 trains.”
Owusu outlined the shipment schedule for the trains, indicating that the first one is expected to arrive in March after being shipped in mid-February. The second train is slated for shipment in May, with an anticipated arrival in August.