Dr. Frederick Appoh, Executive Director of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), has emphasized the critical need for private sector participation in the country’s railway operations, warning that continued reliance on government funding is unsustainable.
Dr. Appoh highlighted that the root of Ghana’s railway sector challenges lies in its outdated, state-run operational model. He noted that while the government remains committed to supporting the sector, its full operational control is limiting innovation, revenue growth, and long-term development.
“The operation of the railway hasn’t been great—not due to lack of government support, but because we’ve failed to bring in the private sector,” Dr. Appoh said. “Globally, with the exception of Ghana and two European countries—Romania and Slovakia—railway operations are largely handled by private entities, while the state maintains ownership of the infrastructure.”
He explained that when governments manage both infrastructure and operations, inefficiencies often arise, including low revenue generation, limited innovation, and constrained capacity for expansion.
Dr. Appoh pointed to the newly completed Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line as an example of the direction Ghana intends to move. Plans are already in place to adopt a more sustainable operational model, with proposals to introduce private sector involvement through market-based funding approaches.
“What we’re working on now is an operationalisation plan for the Tema-Mpakadan line,” he said. “We are proposing a market funding approach that will allow private participation in railway operations. This shift will promote innovation, increase efficiency, and introduce healthy competition.”
Dr. Appoh believes this transition is essential for revitalizing Ghana’s railway sector and ensuring its long-term viability.
