A former Member of Parliament for Ayensuano, Samuel Ayeh‑Paye, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Dr. Frederick Appoh, have clashed over the suitability and long‑term viability of two locomotives procured for the Tema–Mpakadan standard gauge railway line.
The dispute centres on whether the locomotives meet Ghana’s technical and operational requirements for sustained use on the country’s flagship standard gauge corridor.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, July 6, Ayeh‑Paye criticised the decision to deploy the locomotives, arguing that Ghana should have invested in newer rolling stock capable of withstanding long‑term operational demands.
He said that although used locomotives can be refurbished, the current units fall short of the specifications needed for reliable railway operations.
“The Tema–Mpakadan is a standard gauge train line and they have gone to expand the base so that it can run on a standard gauge track,” he said, warning that the locomotives would not be fit for purpose.
Ayeh‑Paye further questioned their durability, insisting the units would not serve beyond three years, and cautioned that Ghana risks repeating past transport failures if value‑for‑money considerations are ignored.
But GRDA CEO Dr. Frederick Appoh dismissed the concerns as technically inaccurate and misleading.
He rejected claims that the locomotives were incompatible with standard gauge operations, insisting Ghana’s system aligns with international railway standards.
“The most important thing here is that it is never true. It’s a Class 56 diesel locomotive. The traction motors have been replaced, the V16 engine capacity has all been done up,” he said.
Dr. Appoh assured that the locomotives have a projected lifespan of up to 15 years, contrary to suggestions that they would become obsolete within a few years. He clarified that the units fall within recognised production batches used internationally between the 1970s and 1990s.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also entered the debate, alleging that the locomotives procured by government are outdated refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel‑electric locomotives manufactured between 1976 and 1983 and previously operated by Colas Rail. The party argues they are unsuitable for modern railway operations.
Amid the controversy, the GRDA has disclosed that government has secured a $21 million European Union Commission grant to complete outstanding works on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line, even as questions persist over its readiness for full commercial service.
— CitiNewsRoom
