Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has voiced profound concerns over the near-collapse of Ghana’s railway sector, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the Sekondi Takoradi local economy.
He has highlighted that the sector’s prolonged decline has severely disrupted affiliated, ancillary, and value-chain activities in the Western Region. “The railway itself is almost dead,” Nelson remarked, noting that revitalizing the infrastructure would rejuvenate Sekondi-Takoradi’s economy, spur growth across the region, and generate employment opportunities.
Despite the current state of decay, Nelson expressed optimism about the Mahama government’s commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to reposition the sector.
He underscored the historical significance of rail transport, which for decades bolstered national transportation networks and fueled local economic development.
“Reviving the railways isn’t just about tracks and trains—it’s about reopening pathways to prosperity for our communities,” he added, stressing the urgency of strategic investments and partnerships to restore this critical pillar of Ghana’s economy.
“I pray that the railway redevelopment will soon take off” he said with optimism.
According to the Minister, the redevelopment of railways has become necessary following these negative impacts identified which virtually collapsed other industries in the region which have all had an unqualified impact affecting local communities in the Western region.
Addressing management and staff of School of Railway and Infrastructure of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) at Essikado Ketan, in Sekondi, as part of his familiarisation tour being carried out to obtain first hand information about their activities and operations, the Minister said the University currently offers an important role in shaping quality human resource development in the area of Technology.
“This is a primary and important responsibility that you have in opening up this area for development of the local economy and beyond, through this university, and it is very commendable.”
He assured the university of his unwavering commitment to support an expansion request made by the management of the school.
He lauded the strives made by the management of the university to sustain the academic community despite the nascent challenges. “Thank you for a good job done so far.”
He said the briefing will better inform the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) on the state of the University to take proactive steps to address the challenges facing the school.
Joseph Nelson said “I am happy to note the good things you are doing here.” For him, “everything at the centre of human progress” would always capture his attention.
Consequently, he said the training and experience being passed on to the students would always capture his attention. “This will always attract my attention and focus,” he said.
The Minister explained that once the University is determined to train many more hands to embrace technology as the way forward to unlocking industrial challenges, obviously, “the needed progress that you envisage, will surely come to pass.”
To this end, he said he would work closely with the University to address the issues identified as challenging. “Those things that need to be done to enhance your ability would be supported”
Joseph Nelson said in recognition of programmes and projects being carried out to improve performance of the University, he would urge the management to partner government to help them improve and expand the training of the teeming youth of Ghana for them to continue to gain professional development for the job market
“You have me as your number one supporter. Don’t hesitate to come, my doors are opened” he said, adding that “this is a critical service you offer to Western Region, and therefore it would be very necessary to cooperate with stakeholders to tackle these challenges.”
The Railway campus at Sekondi intends to become a university college, with specialised courses.
On his part, Professor Yakubu Issaka, Dean, School of Railway and Infrastructure Development of UMaT, said the management of the University wants to produce concrete sleepers for the railways sector.
Aside from that, he said the University intends to produce a high breed trains to serve the Ghanaian market.
A document, he revealed, is currently being put together in that regard, and would later be presented to the sector Minister.
He called on the government to establish equipment and instrumentation workshop at the University required to make teaching and learning conducive.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
