Ghana Inaugurates 97 km Tema-Mpakadan Rail Linking Ghana to Burkina Faso, Opening Access to the Sea

President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned the 97-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan railway line, a transformative infrastructure project that marks the first phase of the Ghana-Burkina Faso Interconnectivity Project. Once fully extended, the railway will link Ouagadougou, the capital of landlocked Burkina Faso providing a vital trade route to the sea.

The commissioning ceremony, held at Tema Harbour on November 22, 2024, celebrated Ghana’s first-ever standard gauge railway, constructed at a cost of $447 million through a credit facility from India-Exim Bank. 

This infrastructure will also serve as the backbone of Ghana’s first multimodal transport system, integrating rail, road, and inland water transport to connect Tema Port with Buipe Port via the Volta Lake.

Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo underscored the railway’s potential to reshape Ghana’s transportation sector. 

“This historic achievement, the first-ever standard gauge railway line in Ghana, symbolises the bold strides we’re making to modernise our transport infrastructure and drive the economic growth of our nation,” he said.

He highlighted the railway’s transformative impact on freight and passenger transportation, emphasising its role in alleviating road congestion and reducing infrastructure deterioration. 

“It will decongest significantly our roads, alleviating the health burden that has led to severe traffic congestion, the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure, and an alarming increase in road accidents,” he stated.

Akufo-Addo described the railway as a “lifeline” for communities and businesses, highlighting its potential to lower transportation costs, improve agricultural trade, and enhance port operations. 

Acording to him the railway will extend the lifespan of critical routes along the eastern corridor, reduce the cost of transporting bulk goods, and enhance the competitiveness of businesses.

He extended his gratitude to the Indian government, local chiefs, and community members for their support and sacrifices during the project’s implementation. 

With the Tema-Mpakadan railway line now operational, Ghana sets the stage for the completion of the broader interconnectivity project, which will link Ouagadougou to the sea, solidifying Ghana’s position as a critical gateway for trade in the sub-region.

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