Ghana's rail challenge

Ghana is trying to improve the efficiency of its rail freight system, particularly on the Tema – Mpakadan line, which is crucial for connecting the country’s commercial hubs with its interior regions. This line, part of a larger vision to develop regional logistics, faces challenges in meeting its full potential due to outdated infrastructure and limited service frequency.

Private partnerships for growth

The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has partnered with private companies to boost freight operations on the Tema – Mpakadan line. One such partnership involves International Service Solution (ISS), a logistics company, to expand container transport. This is the second such agreement in 2026, aiming to increase the line’s role in the country’s transport network.

Infrastructure limitations

Despite recent efforts, the 97 km standard gauge rail line is still operating below capacity. A major obstacle is the lack of modern signaling systems, which currently restrict traffic to one train at a time. This limitation reduces the number of freight shuttles and hampers the line’s ability to handle more traffic.

Funding for modernization

The GRDA has received 20 million euros (about 22.47 million USD) from the European Union to upgrade the signaling systems. However, the exact timeline for the upgrades and when additional capacity will be available remains unclear. Modernizing the signaling is expected to improve the line’s performance significantly.

Expanding freight capabilities

In addition to signaling upgrades, the GRDA plans to enhance its freight capabilities by acquiring three locomotives and 20 wagons by December 2026. These vehicles will be used by a private company to support the expansion of freight services on the line.

Current freight volume

According to GRDA’s general director, Frederick Appoh, between 2,500 and 3,000 containers have been transported on the line since September 2026. While this shows some level of activity, there is not enough data to determine the line’s share in the country’s overall freight traffic.

Future regional connections

The Tema – Mpakadan line is part of a larger plan to link Ghana with its neighboring countries. In the long term, the rail network aims to extend into Burkina Faso, helping landlocked nations like Mali and Niger transport goods through the Tema port. This requires both infrastructure development and reliable service.

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