The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced a crackdown on illegal miners (galamsey operators) who are destroying sections of the Western Rail Line.
Speaking during an engagement with officials of the Railway Development Authority on Thursday, he revealed that discussions with National Security have been initiated to protect the remaining portions of the rail network.
“I spoke with National Security on February 12, 2025, and this morning, and I can assure you that very soon, you’ll see action,” he stated. The Western Rail Line, originally spanning 947 kilometers, has been reduced to just 56 kilometers due to encroachment and illegal mining activities.
Beyond the issue of illegal mining, the railway sector faces significant setbacks, including five months of unpaid salaries for workers and stalled development projects.
Minister Nikpe highlighted that many contractors have suspended operations, fearing that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) debt restructuring program could impact their payments.
“Some of them fear that the IMF’s debt restructuring programme could affect payments whenever their certificates are submitted,” he explained. He, however, assured railway workers that discussions with the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, were ongoing to secure financial relief for the struggling sector.
As part of plans to restore efficiency, the Minister is engaging investors to revamp operations, particularly for transporting manganese, which has been shifted to cargo trucks due to frequent derailments.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr. Frederick Appoh, announced that the Tema-Paga railway project, which has received approximately $500 million in government investment, is near completion.
“I can say the project is 99 percent complete and will soon be operational,” he stated. With renewed government efforts and security intervention, authorities are hopeful that the railway sector can be restored to full functionality.
