Ghana's Ministry of Transport has acquired two diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons to strengthen its new Tema-Mpakadan railway line. This acquisition, valued at approximately US$3.18 million, targets the development of a structured rail freight business.
The Ministry defended the purchase after public criticism regarding the equipment's appearance, stating the locomotives underwent extensive refurbishment in the United Kingdom. These British Rail Class 56 locomotives feature overhauled engines, electrical systems, and new communication and safety systems. Officials project the investment will pay for itself within two years, generating an estimated US$3.5 million in annual revenue.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic strategy to enhance infrastructure and integrate rail transport. The Tema-Mpakadan corridor aims to provide a safer and more efficient transport link for cargo, especially to northern Ghana. This also supports the government's vision of reducing logistics costs and easing pressure on the country's road networks.
A statement from the Ministry issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, dismissed criticism of the assets as technically unfounded. The Ministry cited structural integrity, refurbishment quality, and route compatibility as key assessment criteria for locomotives, not just age. It emphasized that Class 56 locomotives remain in active commercial freight service globally, ensuring spare parts availability.
The Ministry expects the locomotives to operate for at least 15 years with routine maintenance before needing major overhauls. The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has secured commitments for a five-year stock of essential spare parts. Specialised engineers have also begun training GRDA technicians to build local maintenance capacity.
Feasibility studies conducted before the railway's construction confirmed freight demand along the Tema-Mpakadan corridor. The GRDA is finalising commercial off-take agreements, one of which forecasts the US$3.5 million in annual revenue. This revenue projection supports the estimate that the US$3.18 million investment in the locomotives and wagons will be recovered within two years.
The GRDA took delivery of the two locomotives and 20 container wagons in June, ahead of schedule. Preparations are now in progress for technical commissioning, driver evaluations, and final fit-to-run assessments. The Ministry also confirmed the Tema-Mpakadan railway has existing cargo handling equipment, including two reach stackers and five heavy-duty forklift machines. Plans are underway to procure two gantry cranes to further strengthen long-term terminal operations.
The Tema-Mpakadan rail corridor is a crucial component for developing a container terminal at Mpakadan in the Asuogyaman District. This terminal aims to integrate rail and lake transport, establishing a vital logistics corridor from Tema Port to northern Ghana via the Volta Lake. This infrastructure push aligns with Ghana's goal of fostering industrialisation and generating sustainable revenue.
The Ministry has linked this acquisition to the government's broader vision of positioning rail transport as a key pillar in achieving a 24-hour economy. This defence highlights the sensitivity surrounding Ghana's rail modernisation agenda, particularly as the nation seeks to reduce its national debt and increase economic efficiency.