The Ghana Railways Development Authority (GRDA) has on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, commenced commercial operations on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
The first of the two Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) procured by the government departed the Tema Port Railway Station by 9:00am with passengers for the maiden trip to the Afienya Railway Station.
The train, within six minutes, picked more passengers at the Tema Industrial Area Station.
Six minutes later, it arrived at the Ashaiman Station before proceeding to Afienya, where it arrived at 9:39 a.m.
Joining the maiden trip, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, indicated that the launch of railway service was a major milestone in the transport sector which is going to resolve several challenges at the sector.
The new rail line, the Minister indicated, provides an alternative mode of transport which aims to reduce the congestion on the roads, while offering a faster and more affordable travelling alternative, and also improving cargo transportation efficiency.
Other benefits the Minister highlighted from the launch include an ease in traffic, reduction of road accidents and drop in cost of doing business.
He added that the operationalisation of the line forms part of the government’s broader plan to expand rail infrastructure, with projects also planned for the Western, Eastern, and Central corridors.
“This will create jobs in the rail sector and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
The Minister urged the public to cooperate with the authorities to ensure the smooth running of the service.
On his part, the Managing Director of GRDA, Dr Frederick Appoh, said the Tema-Mpakadan service offers competitive fares and a seamless travel experience.
According to Mr. Nikpe, the Tema – Afienya route would attract a fare of GH¢15, while Afienya – Adorme would be GH¢25, bringing the full Tema–Adorme trip to a flat rate of GH¢40.
The Accra – Tema line, the Minister announced, will resume operations on Monday, October 5, 2025, after it was suspended for repairs, to make it possible for passengers to connect from Accra to Mpakadan.
Some passengers who patronised the maiden trip commended the service. They admonished the authorities to maintain the coaches properly for pleasant travel experience.
The Tema-Mpakadan railway line forms part of the government’s efforts to modernise the country’s rail network, with potential links to other parts of Ghana and neighbouring countries.
On November 22, 2024, former President William Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inaugurated the 97-kilometre standard gauge line.
The project was designed to facilitate freight movement within Ghana, integrate rail services with Volta Lake transport, and enhance trade connections with Burkina Faso.
The line is expected to play a key role in transforming the country’s transport and logistics system.
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