The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has successfully conducted Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) in the United Kingdom for freight locomotives and wagons to be deployed on the Tema–Mpakadan Railway Line.
This milestone represents a critical step towards the operationalisation of freight services on the corridor, which is expected to transform Ghana’s logistics and supply chain landscape. The introduction of rail-based freight transport will provide a reliable and efficient alternative for moving goods from Tema Port to inland destinations.
A single freight train on the corridor has the capacity to transport cargo equivalent to multiple heavy-duty trucks, thereby reducing road congestion, enhancing safety, and lowering transportation costs for businesses. In addition, the rail link to Mpakadan enables seamless integration with Lake Volta, positioning the corridor as a strategic multimodal logistics hub for northern Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.
Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), stated during the Factory Acceptance Tests that, “We anticipate the delivery of the locomotives and wagons to Ghana by the end of the second quarter of 2026, followed by commissioning and trial operations, with the commencement of full revenue service expected in the early part of the third quarter of 2026.”
The procurement of these locomotives and wagons underscores the Government’s commitment to developing a modern and integrated transport system to support economic growth and regional connectivity.
This initiative aligns with the policy vision of President John Dramani Mahama to implement a 24-hour economy, under which both passenger and freight services will operate continuously on the line.
