Tema-Mpakadan rail services reactivated

The Ghana Railways Development Authority (GRDA) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, reactivated commercial operations on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.

At 9 a.m., the first Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), one of two procured by the government, departed the Tema Harbour Railway Station with passengers for the maiden trip to the Afienya Railway Station.

Within six minutes, the train stopped at the Tema Industrial Area Station to pick up more passengers. Six minutes later, it arrived at the Ashaiman Station before proceeding to Afienya, where it arrived at 9:39 a.m.

Milestone

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who joined the maiden trip from Afienya to Tema, described the launch of the service as a major milestone in Ghana’s transport sector.

He said the new rail line provides an alternative mode of transport, aimed at reducing congestion on the roads, offering a faster and more affordable travel option, and improving the efficiency of cargo transportation.

According to him, the service will ease traffic, reduce road accidents, and contribute to lowering the cost of doing business.

He added that the operationalisation of the line forms part of the government’s broader plan to expand rail infrastructure, with projects also planned for the Western, Eastern, and Central corridors.

“This will create jobs in the rail sector and stimulate economic growth,” he said.

Mr Nikpe appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities to ensure the smooth running of the service.

Competitive fares

The Managing Director of GRDA, Dr Frederick Appoh, said the Tema-Mpakadan service offers competitive fares and a seamless travel experience.

He announced that the Tema–Afienya route would attract a fare of GH¢15, while Afienya–Adorme would be GH¢25, bringing the full Tema–Adorme trip to a flat rate of GH¢40.

He also disclosed that operations on the Accra–Tema line, which were suspended for repair works, would resume on Monday to enable passengers to connect from Accra to Mpakadan.

Passenger experience

Some passengers on the maiden trip commended the service.

Mohammed Dawda, who joined the train at Ashaiman, urged regular maintenance of the coaches to ensure safe operations.

Another passenger, Emmanuel Amadoe, said the clean and well-maintained coaches made for a pleasant travel experience.

Background

The Tema-Mpakadan railway line forms part of the government’s efforts to modernise the country’s rail network, with potential links to other parts of Ghana and neighbouring countries.