By Felix Cofie
The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has dismissed claims by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that two locomotives recently procured by the government are obsolete and only fit for a museum.
The Minority Caucus had alleged that the locomotives are refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel-electric engines manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 1983 and previously operated by Colas Rail, questioning their suitability for Ghana’s railway network.
However, addressing journalists on Monday, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr. Frederick Appoh, rejected the claims, insisting that the locomotives were selected based on comprehensive technical and operational assessments.
According to him, the procurement process was guided by engineering requirements, the intended use of the locomotives, and the operational characteristics of the Tema–Mpakadan railway line, rather than their appearance or age.
“I’ve heard the rumours, but they have no technical basis,” Dr. Appoh said. “The Class 56 is not an old train. It has three production baselines spanning from 1974 to 1998, and these locomotives continue to be used successfully in the United Kingdom.”
He noted that Colas Rail currently operates Class 56 locomotives under a five-year contract with Network Rail, while DC Rail also uses the locomotives for freight services.
“The Class 56 fits perfectly in terms of tractive effort on the Tema–Mpakadan line. The question is, what is the technical justification for the statement that they are obsolete? There is none,” he stated.
Dr. Appoh further disclosed that the locomotives and wagons, acquired at a cost of GH¢38.7 million, are expected to significantly improve the efficiency of Ghana’s rail transport system.
He explained that the new rolling stock will enhance both freight and passenger services, facilitate the movement of goods along the Tema–Mpakadan corridor, and help reduce pressure on the country’s road network.
The Authority maintains that the acquisition forms part of government’s broader strategy to modernise Ghana’s railway sector and improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of rail transport across the country.
