Railway authority pledges to get transport system back on track

In a bid to improve the countries transport system, Ghana Railway Development Authority has affirmed the government’s resolve to explore avenues to revitalize the nation’s railway sector.

Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Adam, Board Chairman of the GRDA said: “Government has met stakeholders and development partners extensively on the possibility of bringing the once vibrant railway sector back on track, to enhance socio-economic activities.”

He indicated it would be out of place for the nation to drag its feet on the agenda to reviving the sector, considering the enormous pressure brought on the roads as a result of the almost defunct railway industry.

He added: “Our road network is facing a lot of challenges, because bulky goods which should have been shuttled via the railway system are being carried on the roads with its attendant consequences on the lifespan of this infrastructure.”

Dr Adam, who was speaking to newsmen in Kumasi after the authority embarked on a working visit to the metropolis, criticised the mass encroachment on the property of the Ghana Railway Company Limited across the nation.

Most premises of the company had been invaded by trespassers with some areas being turned into drug trafficking dens and other social miscreants.

The visit saw a delegation of the GRDA touring facilities at the Kumasi Railway Station, which had also had its fair share of encroachment.

Dr Adam described the Station as a crucial centre as it connects the northern sector of the country and once played a crucial role in the transportation of natural resources to and from the Western Region, as well as other parts of the country.

He said the government would source the necessary funds to improve railway infrastructure to boost economic activities.