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GRDA responds to TUC and GRCL on Tema–Mpakadan railway operations
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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
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey
