In a targeted bid to revitalise Ghana’s rail infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport has finalised plans to procure two locomotive engines and two rolling cargo wagons from the United Kingdom. The specialised equipment arrives as part of a state strategy to stabilize industrial logistics and expand public transport capacity across the national network.

Under the procurement framework, the incoming locomotives are designated exclusively for passenger services.

Conversely, the two high-capacity wagons will be deployed to the freight sector, specifically tasked with hauling heavy industrial minerals and commercial cargo.

Verification and Field Inspection

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe confirmed the acquisition during a press briefing on Wednesday, May 20, noting that technical teams are already deployed overseas to clear the equipment.

“As I am speaking, the Chief Executive of the Railway Development Authority and the Director of Rail Services in my ministry are in the UK inspecting the passenger rail equipment we want to bring into the system,” Nikpe stated.

The deployment of senior technical officials from both the regulatory authority and the ministry's internal rail division ensures compliance with operational standards prior to shipment.

Once approved, the freight assets will immediately interface with mining logistics.

“We are bringing two locomotive engines and two wagons to haul heavy metals like Ghana Manganese and other cargo in the rail sector,” the Minister added.

Labour Re-mobilisation Strategy

Beyond technical capacity, the ministry is leveraging the procurement to address structural unemployment within the Ghana Railway Company Limited. Heavy industrial operations have faced constraints, leaving a segment of the state transport workforce underutilised.

The introduction of the UK rolling stock is expected to trigger a direct recall of these inactive workers to active service lines.

“When we can bring these trains on board, we are going to employ more railway workers who are currently at home and being paid for doing nothing,” Nikpe stated.

The expansion project aims to restore operational viability to the sector, converting idle payroll liabilities into productive workforce assets as new routes come online.