GRDA reactivates Accra-Koforidua rail service, secures $21m EU Grant for Tema-Mpakadan Line

Railroad tracks run along a bridge over a calm river, with a railing on the side and trees in the distance.

By Prince Antwi July 7, 2026

The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has reactivated the Accra-Koforidua railway service after more than two years and secured a $21 million grant from the European Union to upgrade the signalling system on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line as part of efforts to commercialise freight transport.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of GRDA, Dr Frederick Appoh, said the authority is committed to making Ghana’s railway sector more efficient, reliable and commercially viable.

According to him, the revival of the Accra-Koforidua passenger service, popularly known as Kodjo Krum Second in Line, followed a directive from the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.

Dr Appoh disclosed that the rehabilitation project cost about GH¢5 million, covering repairs to the railway track and the Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) used on the route.

“The two DMUs that were parked are now back in operation, and we are supporting the continued running of the Kodjo Krum Second in Line service,” he said.

On the Tema-Mpakadan railway, Dr Appoh explained that although the line was commissioned in 2024, full operations were delayed because its $11.75 million signalling system, required for integration and interoperability, was not functional.

He announced that GRDA successfully secured a $21 million grant under the European Union’s Sustainability and Interoperability Grant Scheme for Africa to install a new European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 signalling system.

The authority introduced passenger services on the Tema-Mpakadan line in October 2025, with the route currently serving about 6,800 passengers each week. However, Dr Appoh acknowledged that the current fare of GH¢15 per trip is insufficient to cover fuel, maintenance and infrastructure costs.

To improve the line’s financial sustainability, GRDA has identified freight transportation as its immediate priority following a demand and traffic study. The authority believes moving cargo by rail will help ease congestion at Tema Port while providing businesses with a more efficient means of transporting goods.

Addressing public concerns over the authority’s decision to procure Class 56 diesel locomotives, Dr Appoh defended the choice, describing the locomotives as the most suitable option for Ghana’s railway infrastructure.

He explained that the Tema-Mpakadan route is a single-track railway with operational limitations, including a 3,000-horsepower constraint, steep gradients and sharp curves, making the Class 56 locomotives better suited than the larger Class 70 models.

According to him, the Class 56 locomotives produce 2.2 megawatts of power, can haul up to 50 containers or approximately 38 tonnes of cargo, and are designed to operate efficiently in high temperatures of up to 65 degrees Celsius on non-electrified rail lines.

Dr Appoh also noted that the locomotives remain in active commercial service in the United Kingdom, citing their continued use by freight operators, including Colas Rail and DC Rail.

He stressed that locomotive selection should be based on operational efficiency, reliability and performance rather than appearance.

The GRDA CEO further revealed that factory acceptance tests for the locomotives have been completed, while driver training and proof-of-fitness testing are currently underway in Ghana. Test runs have included single-head configurations of 10 and 15 wagons as well as double-head operations with 20 wagons, which represents the maximum capacity the Tema-Mpakadan line can safely accommodate.

Dr Appoh also disclosed that the authority has recorded improvements in its internally generated funds this year and intends to construct its own office complex instead of operating from the Ministry of Transport.

He expressed sympathy to victims of the recent floods, extending the authority’s condolences to families who lost loved ones and livelihoods.

Reaffirming the authority’s immediate priorities, Dr Appoh said GRDA remains focused on commercialising freight operations to support businesses, improve rail transport and reduce congestion at Tema Port.