W/R minister, chiefs want revival of the rail sector

The Western Region Minister, Joseph Nelson,has noted that a dilapidated western rail lines and challenges in developing rail infrastructure do not only threaten the region’s transportation network, but also hinder community development.

Speaking at a stakeholders development retreat organised by the Minister together with the Western Region Coordinating Council (RCC) and attended by chiefs, businessmen and major stakeholders, Minister Nelson unveiled his vision for the rail sector for the region- a revamped rail sector that is capable to transport bulk goods like bauxite, timber, cocoa and manganese.

This, he observed, would not only boost economic activities, but will also facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs.

Touching on chieftaincy, the Minister appealed to the chiefs to prioritise resolution of chieftaincy disputes. “Nana President, I urge you and fellow chiefs to prioritise peace as development thrives in its presence”.

Minister Nelson told the chiefs that he was concerned about the numerous chieftaincy disputes and conflicts in the region.

The president of Western Regional House of chiefs (WRHC), Nana Kobbina Nketsia V, questioned the logic behind the Boankra port’s rail line extension at the expense of the western rail lines.

The WRHC President who is also the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area complained about the numerous promises made by the previous governments to develop the rail sector particularly the western rail line, but they failed to fulful.

“We were promised railway development using oil revenues, but a decade later nothing has materialised. Our city is dying despite having a Port.

“Meanwhile we are building a railway line to Boankra – who initiated this project and why?  If we need an inland port why not utilise the Volta Lake”.

According to Nana Kobina Nketsiah, it appears to him that outsiders were planning Ghana’s future using our own resources.

The Boankra project isn’t specifically a rail project, but rather an Integrated Logistics Terminal (Boankra Inland Port) that aims to enhance trade and transportation, increase the movement of goods and services in Ghana and facilitate transit trade with landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The project also aimed to reduce congestion at Ghana’s seaports, particularly Tema and Takoradi, by providing an alternative logistics hub.

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