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GRDA responds to TUC and GRCL on Tema–Mpakadan railway operations
The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has stated that the threats by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Railway Workers’ Union of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) to resist the operationalisation of the Tema–Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line were based on a deliberate mislinking of salary arrears at GRCL to the start of proof-of-revenue services on the line.
The Authority indicated that neither the TUC nor GRCL had engaged it or the Ministry of Transport before issuing their threats.
It maintained that attempts to conflate GRCL’s internal management failures with GRDA’s lawful mandate were misplaced and risked undermining a strategic national investment worth USD 447 million.
According to the Authority, the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779) vests all railway assets in GRDA and empowers it to develop, administer and regulate the sector, including operationalising newly constructed lines and conducting proof-of-revenue services.
It stressed that the start of operations on the Tema–Mpakadan line fell squarely within its statutory remit and that no operator, including GRCL, had inalienable rights over any railway line in Ghana.
GRDA further explained that under the open-access model, multiple public or private operators could apply for operating licences and slots.
It disclosed that 17 entities had submitted applications but GRCL was not among them, adding that the company neither possessed the requisite rolling stock for standard gauge operations nor had trained staff for the line.
The Authority gave background that the 97.7-kilometre Tema–Mpakadan line, completed in December 2024 at a cost of USD 447 million, formed a vital multimodal corridor linking Tema Port to Buipe via the Volta Lake and to Burkina Faso through the Tema–Ouagadougou corridor.
It said that international standards required passenger service trials to test systems such as signalling, train control, traffic management, station facilities and maintenance depots before full commercial operations.
GRDA reported that it had successfully completed four days of test runs and that proof-of-revenue services would commence on October 1, 2025.
The Authority noted that the line was funded through a USD 447 million loan from the Indian EXIM Bank on-lent to GRDA by the Ministry of Finance, which it must service through revenues generated from operations.
It said that the open-access model had been adopted to ensure fairness, competition and sustainability, with train traffic to be centrally managed by GRDA.
GRDA pointed to what it called systemic inefficiencies within GRCL. It said that despite heavy government investments, the company had failed to sustain operations, diverted funds, procured defective materials and engaged in the illegal sale of parts of the network without the Authority’s consent.
It listed issues such as derailments on the Western Line, abandonment of materials, empty rehabilitated stores, staff on foreign payrolls producing no value and unauthorised disposal of locomotives and wagons.
The Authority described as false the claim that GRCL’s predicament was its responsibility and said the evidence showed a consistent pattern of mismanagement and unlawful actions by GRCL itself.
It expressed disappointment that the TUC had failed to engage GRDA and the Ministry before issuing threats and called on the union to demand accountability from GRCL’s management instead of shielding them.
GRDA also raised concerns about acts of vandalism against point machines and signalling equipment recorded after TUC’s public declaration of intent to resist government’s railway agenda.
It warned that the TUC and its affiliates would be held accountable for any sabotage, destruction or disruption of railway infrastructure during the period of their declared action.
The Authority assured the public that the Tema–Mpakadan line, a strategic national asset, would commence proof-of-revenue operations on October 1, 2025, in line with government directives and Act 779.
It reiterated its resolve to deliver safe, reliable and efficient services and to safeguard the nation’s investment for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could worsen the spread of misinformation across the world if not managed responsibly.
Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, the President said AI tools such as deepfakes and synthetic media are increasingly being used to manipulate information and distort public perception.
He warned that the misuse of AI poses a serious threat to democracy, public health, and global stability, adding that protecting information integrity must be treated with the same urgency as national security and economic development.
“We are back to win the global war against misinformation and disinformation. Disinformation is not an abstract issue, it shapes elections, distorts public health responses, fuels conflict, and undermines the fight against climate change,” he pointed out.
President Mahama said false information continues to erode public confidence in science and government policy, even a decade after the signing of the Paris Climate Accord.
He noted that while AI presents huge opportunities for innovation and growth, it must be used responsibly to ensure that technological progress builds, rather than destroys, public trust.
“Our collective task must be to harness AI responsibly, promote transparency, and ensure that technology strengthens, not weakens, our societies,” he said.
The conference brought together world leaders, media experts, and technology innovators to discuss ways to protect information integrity and strengthen democracy in the digital age.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis.
The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.
It is expected to bring together residents, traders, and transport operators to help make Kumasi cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
According to the Assembly, the clean-up will focus on key parts of the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.
During the exercise, all trading activities and vehicular movement within these areas will be suspended to ensure smooth operations.
The KMA urged all traders, commercial drivers, and residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in cleaning their surroundings.
The Assembly announced that if traders and shop owners participate fully, the exercise will end at 11:00 a.m.
However, those who fail to take part will have their shops and trading activities remain closed until 2:00 p.m.
By: Jacob Aggrey
