The Current Railway Development and Its Influencing Factors in Ghana

Abstract

For a number of years, the Ghana Railway system and infrastructure have been unattractively inactive and have deprived the nation and economy of its development rate and living expenses substantially. Speed, space, weight, distance, expense and time are expedient with regards to a developing economy. Consider the gain if all these are catered for at least to an extent in the railway sector. Freight movement and passenger transport on a high rate could benefit the economy a great deal minimizing a lot of expense, accidents, traffics etc. and also lead dramatically towards increased commodity production, trade boost and people development. With the recent plans by the Government on the trans-ECOWAS railway link and job creation, investment boundaries will be open to resource extraction and improved agricultural commerce. This paper primarily reflects the major drive towards the Ghana Railway Development. Certain influencing factors carefully searched out are outlined with a view at its high potential as a rail recovery cornerstone.

Locomotive engines and the future of railway automotive power in Africa: A review

“…Ghana Railway's development began in 1901s primarily for mineral transport and military operations. The railway network connects Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi and is manage by Ghana Railways Corporation (GRC) [16]. The total track network is 947 km, that spread into eastern, central and western lines.…”

“…About 130 km is currently operational for passengers and cargo services, while 32 km double track is not functional as stated in railway master plan (RMP) of Ghana [17]. In the RMP [16], the Government of Ghana, plan to add 4007.6 km of rail network, mainly 1, 067 mm and 1, 435 mm [17]. A researcher [18] reported periodic procurement of locomotives for the Ghana railways in 2006 such as 61 locomotives and 100 covered wagons with coaches.…”

Prospects and Impediments of Railway Infrastructure Development in Ghana: Impact of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Technology

“…Several years after independence, the Ghana Railway system and infrastructure started fading out of service on failed attempts to maintain the structure of the railway system (Burchardt 2014). Despite attempts to resuscitate the infrastructure by successive governments, the unrecognised nature of the railway infrastructure continues to negatively impede economic progress and development (Akwetteh et al 2021). Consequently, poverty remains the major threat to economic and social development especially in the rural communities, due to the infrastructure deficit like inadequate railway system.…”

“…Thus, a more efficient mode of transportation is necessary to compliment the road deficit and elevate the standard of living. Hence, the steps taken by the government to improve the structure of the transportation system in Ghana eventually brought to birth the creation of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) (Akwetteh et al 2021). This was aimed to provide railway services at all the existing rail lines which are in operation.…”

“…It is abundantly clear how a strong and robust railway system could impact economic development (Jedwab and Moradi 2012). In the midst of air pollution, poor road networks, hectic traffic congestion, and road accidents, the effect of a robust economic strength and stability is yet to be realised by local business structures precisely the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana (Akwetteh et al 2021). Inevitably, the lack of proper railway infrastructure has fundamentally led to systematic drawbacks in job creation, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and local business development (Bayane, Yanjun, and Bekhzad 2020).…”