Western Railway Line Positioned as Ghana’s Most Profitable Rail Corridor – GRDA

During a two-day working visit to the Western Region, Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), described the corridor as Ghana’s most profitable freight route.

“Even at a conservative estimate of $10 per ton, the Western Railway Line could transport 40 million metric tonnes annually—that’s about $400 million in revenue,” Dr Appoh stated. “This corridor is critical for developing Ghana’s entire 3,200-kilometre railway network.”

Freight as the Sustainability Engine

Dr Appoh explained that while passenger rail services are socially important, they rarely generate profit and depend heavily on government subsidies.

“Passenger rail services anywhere in the world operate at a loss. In China, the government spends $47 billion annually. In the UK, around £15 billion. In Kenya, $83 million. Freight revenue is what makes railway systems sustainable,” he said.

The GRDA plans to launch freight operations along the Tema–Mpakadan line by the second quarter of this year. Expanding cargo services on the Western Railway Line is expected to strengthen revenue streams and support the sustainability of both passenger and freight services.

Institutional Reforms and Operational Efficiency

Dr Appoh also highlighted plans to streamline operations under the amended railway act, which seeks to create a single entity responsible for railway development, operations, and regulation.

This restructuring aims to rationalise the workforce, improve coordination, and enhance efficiency across Ghana’s railway sector.

Regional Impact and Infrastructure Protection

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, welcomed the renewed focus on the corridor, citing both commuter convenience and infrastructure preservation.

“The traffic between Takoradi and Kojokrom during peak hours is often unbearable. A functional train service will provide an alternative for commuters. Additionally, hauling heavy cargo like bauxite or manganese by rail will prolong the life of our roads, which are already showing signs of deterioration,” he noted.

Transporting bulk commodities such as bauxite and manganese by rail is expected to reduce pressure on highways, cut road maintenance costs, and improve logistics efficiency.

An Economic Lifeline

Dr Appoh concluded that the Western Railway Line represents more than just rail infrastructure.

“It is an economic lifeline. Freight operations here will create jobs, protect infrastructure, and secure Ghana’s railway system for years to come.”

With freight projected as the financial backbone of the railway network, the Western Railway Line is poised to play a central role in strengthening Ghana’s transport economy and revitalising the national rail system.