Tema-Mpakadan rail services resumes

The Ghana Railways Development Authority (GRDA) has resumed commercial operations on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line, signaling a major step forward in efforts to modernise the country’s transport system.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at exactly 9:00 a.m., the first Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) — one of two procured by the government — departed the Tema Harbour Railway Station with passengers onboard for the maiden journey to Afienya. The train made brief stops at the Tema Industrial Area and Ashaiman stations before pulling into Afienya at 9:39 a.m., greeted by excitement from commuters and railway officials.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who joined the return trip from Afienya to Tema, described the launch of the service as a landmark moment for Ghana’s rail sector. He stressed that the Tema–Mpakadan line would serve as a vital alternative to road transport, helping to ease congestion, reduce accidents, cut transport costs, and improve the efficiency of cargo movement.

“This will create jobs in the rail sector and stimulate economic growth,” the Minister said, urging the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure the smooth running of the service.

GRDA Managing Director Dr. Frederick Appoh announced affordable fares for passengers, with Tema to Afienya set at GH¢15, Afienya to Adorme at GH¢25, and a full trip from Tema to Adorme priced at GH¢40. He further disclosed that operations on the Accra–Tema line, suspended for repairs, would resume on Monday to allow commuters to connect directly from Accra to Mpakadan.

Passengers who joined the inaugural ride expressed satisfaction with the service. Mohammed Dawda, who boarded at Ashaiman, called for regular maintenance of the coaches to guarantee safety. Another passenger, Emmanuel Amadoe, praised the clean and comfortable coaches, describing the journey as smooth and refreshing.

The Tema–Mpakadan rail project is part of the government’s broader vision to expand railway infrastructure across the Western, Eastern, and Central corridors. Commissioned in November 2024 by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the 97-kilometre standard gauge line is designed to integrate rail transport with Volta Lake services and strengthen trade links with Burkina Faso.

With its reactivation, the line is expected to play a central role in reshaping Ghana’s transport and logistics network, positioning the railway system as a driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.