Published on
October 11, 2025
Ghana had intended to have the Tema-Mpakadan line reopened to the public on the 1st of October 2025. However, this intention has met considerable setbacks due to considerable technical issues. The line, which is 97.6 km long, is part of a bigger vision that seeks to connect Tema Port to the eastern part of the country, and later on to Burkina Faso, with the hope of improving trade and tourism in the area. The technical issues that occurred, however, led to the first passenger service arriving late at the terminal, which has halted progress on this vital piece of infrastructure.
This reopening is the first stage in the vision for 1,000 km of standard gauge railway spanning the country, and will connect Tema directly to Burkina Faso. It will improve a number of internal links in the country.
The first phase of the line has already been set in motion and was inaugurated in November 2024, with the aim of connecting Ghana to Burkina Faso and improving rail links in the country. It was inaugurated by the former presiding leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of the rail development initiative. Ever since the track was to some extent completed, people’s hopes for the project have been high; however, the operations of the line were stopped soon after commencement due to some track defects. A repair system has since been initiated and is now running under the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA).
Difficulties in Rail Infrastructure in Ghana and Its Consequences on Tourism
Many problems have arisen as Ghana tries to restore its rail network, such as its infrastructure, technical problems, and the condition of its rolling stock and railways. These problems have delayed the completion of railways that the country anticipated and, in turn, stunted the growth of rail tourism in the country.
International and domestic tourism, in particular, have the greatest potential to be fueled by the Tema-Mpakadan railway. Along with providing easy access to these destinations and boosting the potential of tourism in these regions, the railway line would also improve access to the natural and urban attractions of the country, such as Accra, Kumasi, and the Volta. Railways in these regions would not only improve transportation but also have the potential to remove technical challenges that currently detract from realising these benefits.
Considering Ghana’s amazing cultural heritage and the rising interest in eco-tourism, the country has rail tourism potential as well. Unique regions of Ghana would be accessible to advanced travellers, thus providing an incredible opportunity to aid the economies of those areas. On the other hand, travellers would be able to explore the countryside, historical sites, and rugged lands while contemplating the untouched nature of the country.
The Sekondi-Takoradi-Kojokrom Line: Another Blow to the Hopes of Rail Tourism
Ghana’s rail network has also struggled with the Sekondi-Takoradi-Kojokrom line, alongside the issues already cited with the Tema-Mpakadan line. The Sekondi-Takoradi-Kojokrom line, which was inaugurated in 2016, has encountered numerous rolling stock and track quality concerns. Passenger services were suspended in March 2020 due to the conversion of the rail from 1067mm to 1435mm gauge. The line has been completely suspended since 2024, and while the service resumed sporadically later that year, the line has been completely suspended since 2024.
The issues with the Tema-Mpakadan and Sekondi-Takoradi-Kojokrom lines showcase the issues that come with attempting to revitalise a neglected railway system in Ghana. The railway sector is stagnating, which in turn limits domestic travel, tourism routes, and comprehensive development that could span across the entire country and incorporate significant geological and historical points of interest.
Economic and Tourism Impact of Rail Development
Ghana, with its ongoing railway development, is vital to both tourism and transportation, especially those involving key tourist attractions and improving access to tourist facilities situated in remote locations. Unfortunately, delays in reopening the Tema-Mpakadan and the Sekondi-Takoradi-Kojokrom line and the suspension of the other tend to put a damper on expectations for the tourism industry.
The Ghana Tourism Authority has pointed out the substantial impact of railways on the overall development of tourism in Ghana. As railways are a viable, economical and proven the most efficient and legitimate green sustainable mode of transport, its advancement will put Ghana on the world tourism map for culture, history and natural beauty. On the other hand, the rail infrastructure has to be operational for tourism to thrive.
The Government Initiatives and Future Rail Tourism Perspectives
Together with local authorities, the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) is eager to eliminate the technical issues and contribute to the sustainable development of the Tema-Mpakadan line and other rail projects. The GRDA has geared its attention to the substantial development of the track infrastructure and improvement of rolling stock, in addition to the strict observance of operational and safety claim standards before the full servicing.
The government’s focus on the tourism infrastructure and the potential use of the railways for tourism dovetails with the broader aim of developing sustainable tourism across the entire country. Like other developing railways, there will be significant improvements in the movement of people and goods within the domestic borders. Besides that, foreign nationals will be able to appreciate the scenic splendour of Ghana on imposingly courteous terms.
Hence, the country’s pending new railways and other enhancements to the public transportation system will give, for tourism, improvements that come from more facile movement to and within major urban, natural, and cultural attractions. The future of railways in Ghana seems to be bright, provided that proper measures to the existing technical issues in the system are dealt with.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Ghana’s Rail Tourism.
There are real issues and limiting factors to the country’s tourism with trains on the railways, but there’s still plenty of scope for improvements. This is more pronounced with the fact that new investments in the country’s transport system are likely to come from the government. The Tema-Mpakadan line, along with other railways in the country, will increase access to the scenic and cultural pride of Ghana.
Ghana rail tourism is poised to enhance the country’s tourism offerings with the ongoing resolution of technical issues with the rail network and the expansion of the network. Tourism in Ghana’s economy will flourish as visitors will have quicker and more efficient means of transportation. This will also have a positive impact on the growth of Ghana’s economy.
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