Encroachment on Tema-Mpakadan railway threatens to disrupt planned launch in April 

The Ghana Railway Authority (GRA) has uncovered alarming infractions along the 97-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan railway, including encroachment by squatters and acts of vandalism that threaten the safety and efficiency of the soon-to-be-launched shuttle service.

With the shuttle set to become operational next month, officials are racing against time to resolve these issues before the first train rolls out.

During a recent inspection tour, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Authority, Dr. Frederick Apoh, and his team discovered significant encroachment along the railway corridor in areas such as Tema, Ashaiman, Tulaku, and Afienya. Squatters have settled dangerously close to the railway, posing safety hazards to both themselves and the trains.

The risks became starkly evident two weeks ago when a female resident of Ashaiman-Sackey was fatally struck by a train. This tragic incident has heightened concerns about the need to clear illegal settlements along the railway buffer zone.

Dr. Apoh acknowledged the complexity of addressing the issue, stating: “As part of our medium- to long-term strategy, we plan to collaborate with several agencies, including the Tema Development Company, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Ghana Police Service, to seek cabinet approval for the removal of illegal settlers. However, I do not anticipate this will happen before the maiden service in April.”

Beyond encroachment, the inspection team also uncovered severe vandalism, particularly at the 61-kilometre mark. Several bolts and nuts securing the rails to concrete beams had been stolen, leaving the tracks dangerously loose.

Additionally, buffer stops—critical metal structures designed to regulate train speed—have been cut and stolen, presumably by scrap dealers. These acts of theft significantly compromise railway safety.

Dr. Apoh emphasized the urgency of addressing these defects, stating: “We must ensure that all infractions observed from kilometre one to sixty-five are resolved before the Tema-Mpakadan service begins. Otherwise, the likelihood of an accident is high.”

During the inspection, officials encountered a man digging a trench within the railway’s buffer zone, directly above buried signal cables. He was promptly cautioned and ordered to refill the trench to prevent damage to critical railway infrastructure.

Unauthorized access routes have also been created by residents along the railway, leading to sand silting up the drainage system—another factor that could disrupt smooth operations.

Despite these challenges, the Tema-Mpakadan shuttle service is expected to revolutionize transportation along the corridor, reducing travel time and boosting economic activity. However, if encroachment and infrastructure damage are not effectively addressed, the railway’s long-term viability could be at risk.

As the launch date approaches, the Ghana Railway Authority faces mounting pressure to secure the railway, enforce regulations, and ensure a safe and efficient service for commuters and businesses alike.

The post Encroachment on Tema-Mpakadan railway threatens to disrupt planned launch in April  first appeared on 3News.

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