MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS DEVELOPMENT

PRESS BRIEFING ON THE STATUS OF RAILWAYS DEVELOPMENT IN GHANA

8TH MAY, 2019

PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Western Railway Line (Narrow Gauge and Standard
Gauge)

 Eastern Railway Line (Narrow Gauge and Standard

Gauge)

 Kumasi – Paga Line (Central Spine)

 Tema – Mpakadan (Akosombo) Line

 Ghana – Burkina Faso Railway Interconnectivity

Project

 Accra and Kumasi Metro/Light Rail Transit Systems

PRESENTATION OUTLINE
 Aflao – Elubo Line (Trans-ECOWAS Line)

 Kotoku – Huni Valley Line (Central Line)

 Railway Training School and Location Workshops

 Associated Infrastructure Development

 Institutional Reforms

 A Modern Railway Industry

 Challenges/Outstanding Issues

 The Way Forward

 WESTERN RAILWAY LINE
REHABILITATION OF NARROW GAUGE

Rehabilitation of 56km of the existing

narrow gauge line from Kojokrom to
Tarkwa through Nsuta by the workers of
the Ghana Railway Company Limited is
ongoing.
Project Objective:
• Passenger rail services from Tarkwa to
Takoradi for the first time since 2007
• Haulage of manganese from Nsuta to
Takoradi Port
WESTERN RAILWAY LINE
STANDARD GAUGE
Construction is being undertaken in Sections
• Kojokrom-Eshiem – 5km Messrs Amandi Holdings

• Eshiem – Manso and beyond – 17km Messrs Amandi Holdings

• From Manso – Tarkwa – 34 km Messrs China Railway Wuju Corp

• Tarkwa – Dunkwa - 97km Messrs China Railway Wuju Corp

• Dunkwa –Kumasi -103km

• Dunkwa –Awaso -73 km

WESTERN RAILWAY LINE
STANDARD GAUGE

Kojokrom – Eshiem new standard gauge covering a distance of 5km, is

progressing steadily.
Site clearing, earthworks, formation and civil works have been completed for
3km out the 5km.
Foundation for viaducts ongoing
Essential materials for the works, including concrete sleepers and Rails/Fasteners
are also on order to be used for the works.
Expected completion date is August 2020 ( dependent on releases by GoG).
WESTERN RAILWAY LINE
STANDARD GAUGE

• The contract for the Eshiem – Manso new standard line was signed in February,
2018 subject to three conditions precedent.
• Contract now effective, having met the three (3) conditions precedent:
• Ministry of Finance approval – 18th June, 2018
• PPA approval – 22nd June, 2018
• Value-for-Money (VfM) Audit - March, 2019
• Contract has been re-negotiated in line with recommendations of VfM Audit.
• Contractor already mobilized to site and works expected to be completed by August
2020 (dependent on releases from GoG).
WESTERN RAILWAY LINE
STANDARD GAUGE

• Negotiations concluded with Messrs China Railway Wuju Corporation for the
continuation of the new standard gauge line to Dunkwa.
• Discussion of Workplan ongoing
• Funding arrangements on-going with China Development Bank (CDB) for $1
billion credit facility out of which $500 million has been earmarked for the
Western Line.
• Cabinet and Parliamentary approvals to be obtained on the Loan Agreement.
• Expected commencement date is July 2019
WESTERN RAILWAY LINE
STANDARD GAUGE
Final Engineering Design
• Basic Engineering Parameters:
• Gauge – standard gauge (1,435 mm)
• Maximum design speed – 160km/hr
• Maximum axle load – 25 tons
• Detailed topographical survey from Takoradi to Kumasi has been completed
• Geotechnical & geological surveys between Takoradi – Tarkwa completed
• Alignment and final design completed between Takoradi to Tarkwa
• Detailed Design of Infrastructure (Bridges/Culverts) completed between Takoradi and Manso.
• Bill of Quantities completed up to Manso
EASTERN RAILWAY LINE
REHABILITATION OF NARROW GAUGE
ACCRA – TEMA SERVICE

Rehabilitation of Accra – Tema section completed in December, 2018.

Passenger service re-launched in January, 2019.

EASTERN RAILWAY LINE
REHABILITATION OF NARROW GAUGE
ACCRA – NSAWAM SERVICE

Rehabilitation works on the Achimota – Nsawam section of the line is nearing

completion (about 95% complete).
Test runs have commenced and line expected to be re-opened for commercial
operations soon
Refurbishment of old Locomotives and Passenger Coaches
 EASTERN RAILWAY LINE
REHABILITATION OF NARROW GAUGE- (NSAWAM-KOFORIDUA)

• Allocation has been made in the 2019 Budget to extend the rehabilitation
works from Nsawam –Koforidua
• Budgetary allocation for 2019 is GHS 8,000,000
• Total Project Cost is estimated at GHS 134,632,915.00
• Works to be undertaken in sections from Station to Station beginning from
Nsawam
EASTERN RAILWAY LINE
REFURBISHMENT OF OLD PASSENGER COACHES

• THE COST REHABILITATION OF A PASSENGER COACH BY THE

SUAME MAGAZINE CRAFTSMEN IS GHS 261,468.00

• INDICATIVE PRICES FOR A NEW PASSENGER COACH

• BUSINESS – US$610,000.00
• ECONOMY –US$ 570,000.00
EASTERN RAILWAY LINE
STANDARD GAUGE

 The Eastern Line is to be developed on a BOT basis with Government

participation
 MoRD commenced negotiations with preferred bidder on 4th April, 2019.
Concession Agreement expected to be finalized and signed subject to the
necessary approvals by end of May 2019
Incorporation of Eastern Railway Company Limited (100% government owned)
Features of New Standard Gauge Eastern Line
• Design Speed -160km/h
• Axle Load – 25 tons
• Double track
• Possibility for electrification in the future
CENTRAL LINE
(KOTOKU – HUNI VALLEY)
Background
• The Central Line consists of the line from Kotoku on the Eastern Line to Huni Valley on the
Western Line, a distance of about 198.7km and the branch line from Achiase Junction to
Kade, a distance of about 40.2km.
• The operations of the Central Line, like the other lines started declining in the 1970s when
Railway was separated from the Ports and Harbours.
• The proliferation of heavy road trucks during the same period in an unfair competitive
environment diverted even the traffic previously considered as captive market from the rail to
road resulting in low revenue for Railway and therefore affected the financial fortunes of the
Railway.
KOTOKU – HUNI VALLEY LINE
(CENTRAL LINE)
• The high incidence of derailments due to lack of funds to rehabilitate the track and the
irregular maintenance of other infrastructure such as bridges, signaling &
telecommunication equipment, as well as, the rolling stock contributed to the decline in
the operations of the Central Line.
• Although some rehabilitation works were undertaken on the line in December 1995,
the operations on the line eventually ceased on 12th March, 2002.
• Since then, no serious attempt has been made to revamp the line for operations even
though there seem to be a high socio-economic potential for the line which is the main
line that links the Western and Eastern Lines.
KOTOKU – HUNI VALLEY LINE
(CENTRAL LINE)
Feasibility Studies
• The Ministry is currently undertaking feasibility studies to determine the financial and
socio-economic and environmental viability of the line to justify its re-development.

• Consultant has been engaged and assignment officially commenced on 13th March,
2019.

• Inception Report expected from Consultant on 12th April, 2019 for discussion with
stakeholders.
 KUMASI – PAGA LINE (CENTRAL
SPINE)
Feasibility Studies

• Greenfield project with an approximate length of 595km

• Proposed route of the line is Kumasi – Aduadin – Ahenema Kokoben – Nerebehi – Mankraso –
Bechem – Duayaw Nkwanta – Sunyani – Chiraa – Techiman – Tamale – Paga)

• Feasibility studies by MoRD Consultants on-going and expected to be completed by end of

April, 2019

• Feasibility by CCECC completed and submitted

 KUMASI – PAGA LINE
(CENTRAL SPINE)
Construction
• The development of the line will be undertaken in sections.
• Funding arrangements on-going with China Development Bank (CDB) for $1 billion credit
facility out of which $500 million has been earmarked for the Central Spine.
• MoU was signed with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in April,
2018 and feasibility studies have been completed by the firm for the development of the project.
• Capacity of CCECC confirmed following inspection of on-going works on the Lagos – Ibadan
standard gauge line on 29th March, 2019.
• Agreement signed with CCECC.
KUMASI – PAGA LINE (CENTRAL
SPINE)
Buipe to Tamale Section
• Afcons presented proposal using Indian Exim Funding

Tamale – Paga Section

• MoU signed with China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group (CREEC) for the
development of the Tamale-Paga and Tamale- Yendi in November, 2018.
• CREEC currently undertaking pre-feasibility studies towards the development of
the Line
 GHANA – BURKINA FASO
INTERCONNECTIVITY PROJECT
• The two countries have signed a Treaty in December, 2018 relating to the
implementation of the implementation of the Railway Interconnectivity Project
between the two countries.

• The Treaty is to be sent to Parliament for Ratification.

 SELECTED ROUTE FOR PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT
• The line starts from Mpakadan where the on-
going construction of railway line from the Tema
Port terminates along the Volta Lake.
• The proposed railway line will then go through Ho,
Hohoe, Jasikan, Nkwanta, Bimbila, Yendi (about
468km).
• The line continues from Tamale, Walewale,
Bolgatanga, Navrongo and link Burkina Faso at
the Paga – Dakola border (about 212km)
 SELECTED ROUTE FOR PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT
• The Burkina Faso leg of the proposed line starts from Ouagadougou, Kombissiri,
Manga, Beguedo, Garango, Tenkodogo, Bagre, Zabre, Po, Dakola to Paga, covering a
total distance of about 320km.

• Construction works will commence from both terminal points in Ouagadougou and
Mpakadan.
 GHANA – BURKINA FASO
INTERCONNECTIVITY PROJECT
PHASES OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
• Phase I - Preliminary Alignment Studies
 Pre-feasibility Studies - On-going
 Full Feasibility Studies - On-going
 Preliminary Design (FEED) - On-going
• Phase II - Procurement Process
 Expression of Interest (EOI) - Completed
 Request for Qualification (RFQ) - Completed
 Request for Proposals (RFP)
 Negotiations and Contract Signing
 GHANA – BURKINA FASO
INTERCONNECTIVITY PROJECT
PHASES OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
• Phase III - Analysis of Technical Studies
 Review of Design
• Phase IV - Monitoring and Supervision of Construction
 Review of Design
 Work Supervision
 Contract Administration
 Budgeting and Project Accounting
 Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Management
 Control Tests
 Training and Transfer of Technology
 GHANA – BURKINA FASO
INTERCONNECTIVITY PROJECT
Status of Procurement Process
• Expression of Interest (EOI) stage of the procurement process was completed in May 2018.

• 16 firms submitted EOI proposals which were evaluated leading to the shortlisting of 12 firms
to the Request for Qualification (RFQ) stage.

• Initial deadline for submission of Qualification documents was 25th March, 2019.

• Following requests by bidders, the deadline has been extended by 30 working days ending 6th
May, 2019.

• 4 firms/consortia met the deadline.

 TRANS-ECOWAS LINE
(AFLAO – ELUBO)

Background

• The development of the Trans-ECOWAS rail project will result in a direct rail connectivity with
the neighbouring States, Togo (on the East) and Ivory Coast (on the West) to boost trade and
facilitate economic growth and development in the West African countries affected by the
project.

• The expansion is in line with the objective of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) to link all member states by rail.

• It will also facilitate the achievement of the broad objective of the Union of African Railways to
link member countries by rail.
 TRANS-ECOWAS LINE
(AFLAO – ELUBO)
Feasibility Studies
• Greenfield project with an approximate length of 570km.
• Feasibility studies have commenced and Inception Report has been submitted and reviewed on
13th March, 2019 by the following key stakeholders:
• Ministry of Roads & Highways
• Ministry of Transport
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Planning
• National Development Planning Commission
• Ghana Railway Development Authority
• Ghana Railway Company Ltd.
• Department of Urban Roads
APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF RAIL LINE
ON THE MASTER PLAN
Western Line (Takoradi – Kumasi with Branch to Awaso) – 435.4KM

Eastern Line ( Accra – Kumasi) – 303.9KM

Central Line (Kotoku – Huni Valley) – 198.84KM

Central Gap ( Kumasi – Tamale) – 373KM

Tema – Paga - 782KM

 RAILWAY TRAINING SCHOOL AND
LOCATION WORKSHOP
• The old Railway Training Institute and Workshops, located at Essikado received a major facelift.
• The Training Institute has been upgraded with modern teaching and learning facilities to
enhance capacity building and skills development for the Railway Sector.
• The first phase of the upgrade project has been completed and the Ghana Railway Company
Limited started using the facility to run in-house training programs for its staff.
• Furthermore, the Railway Location Workshop is being modernized and equipped to become a
one stop workshop to serve the railway, mining, petroleum and agricultural industries in Ghana.
• Two (2) out of the seven (7) workshops were rehabilitated during the year 2018.
 THE RAILWAY ECONOMIC
CORRIDOR
Associated Infrastructure Development (From Stations to Cities)

• The Ministry is pursuing associated infrastructure development. In this direction, all railway
stations are to be developed as economic centers.

• Other economic infrastructure would be developed along the railway corridor and at vantage
nodes where the railway lines terminate.

• For example, at Mpakadan, where the on-going Tema – Akosombo rail terminates, Volta Rail
City would be developed.
 THE RAILWAY ECONOMIC
CORRIDOR
• Other associated infrastructure which will be developed include the following:
• Hospitality
• Housing
• Free zones / Industrial Parks
• Container Terminals / Inland Ports
• Stations
• Cities
INSTITUTIONAL AND REGULATORY
REFORMS
Review of Railways Act

Incorporation of Eastern Railway Company Limited

Incorporation of Ghana Railway Infrastructure Company Limited

Conversion of Ghana Railways Development Authority to Ghana Railways Regulatory Authority

Department or Division for Light/Metro Rail within the MoRD

Upgrading of Railway Training School to Tertiary Institution

Reform of Ghana Railways Company Limited

PURCHASE OF ROLLING STOCK
• In view of the need to obtain standard gauge rolling stock in time for
• testing and commissioning of the works, the subsequent
• operation of the lines and
• the duration of 12 - 18 months required for the delivery of Rolling Stock,
• It is imperative, the Ministry considers the urgent procurement of the Rolling
Stock.
• The Ministry received a Supplier’s Credit Offer for the supply and financing of
Rolling Stock from Messrs Dongfang Electric International Corporation
• This offer was submitted to the Ministry of Finance for their advice.
• Following the receipt of a favourable response from the Ministry of Finance on
the Supplier’s Credit Offer, the Ministry constituted a Committee to assist in the
conduct of Technical & Financial Due Diligence before commencement of
Contract Negotiations with the Supplier.
PURCHASE OF ROLLING STOCK
ROLLING STOCK REQUIREMENTS

S.N. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

MAINLINE LOCOMOTIVE FOR FREIGHT
1 10 Nos.
(Diesel - 3500HP)
WAGONS
2 340 Nos.
(4 Axle -21Ton/Axle - 84 Ton/Wagon)
MAINLINE LOCOMOTIVE FOR PASSENGERS
3 10Nos.
(Diesel - 2500 HP)
PASSENGER COACHES
4 60 Nos.
(100 Passengers/Coach)
SHUNTING LOCOMOTIVE
5 10 Nos.
(Diesel - 1000HP)
CHALLENGES
• Encroachment on the Tema- Mpakadan (Akosombo) Line (about 10 houses earmarked for
demolition)
• Encroachment on the Eastern Line by Squatters and Petty traders
• Land Acquisition and Compensation
• Illegal Mining activities affecting the formation
• Institutional & Human Capacity
• Inadequate Regulations
WAY FORWARD
• Enhance Stakeholder sensitization and secure Titles to Lands and other properties
• Reduce the activities of Illegal Mining on the Right-of Way
• Training and Recruitment
• Fast track processes towards the development of railway regulations
• Revitalization of railway system to enhance service delivery and revenue generation
• Address all challenges
• Increase level of monitoring
COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA

It is difficult to compare cost per km of railway line construction as several factors may affect the cost of the
construction of the lines. These factors include the following
• The scope of works
• The topography or terrain of the area in which the line is being constructed
• The design speed of the line,- the cost of 120km/h line would be relatively cheaper than a 160km/h line and a
high speed line of about 350km/h
• The type of signaling and communication being deployed ETCS Level 1 or 2
• The type of formation and the finish-i.e. whether the sub base has bituminous surfacing or not. (Blanketing )
• The axle load
• The Cost of Land acquisition and compensation to be paid
• The provision of rolling stock and
• The tractive power to be deployed. i.e. whether electricity or diesel
COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA

New Design Criteria for Ministry of Railways

Development
Design Speed -160km/h
Axle Load -25 tons
Double Formation for lines with bituminous surfacing
Signalling and Communication- ETCS Level 2
 COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA
No. Name of Project Contractor and Distance Project Scope and Cost Price/Km
Procurement
Method
1. Takoradi-Sekondi via Kojokrom Contractor: Amandi 10km Scope: Redevelopment of 5.5 Million
Suburban Railway Line Holdings Ltd (Double Track) Takoradi-Sekondi via Kojokrom
5 km Single Railway Line including the
Procurement Method: Track construction of
Single Source • 4Nos. Railway Station,
(30km Track • Signaling and Communication
Funding: GoG Length • Supply of Rolling Stock (2
Diesel Multiple Units)
Type of Contract: • Renovation of Old Rolling
Design and Build (FIDIC Stock
Yellow Book) Design Criteria:
Gauge: Dual gauge operating as
narrow gauge
Design Speed: 120km
Axle Load:21 tons
Duration: 18 Months
Project Cost: US$ 165,577,268.00
 COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA
No. Name of Project Contractor and Distance Project Scope and Cost Price/Km
Procurement Method

2. Kojokrom -Eshiem Contractor: Amandi Holdings Ltd 5km (Single Scope: Construction of a Standard 4.0 Million
Track) railway Line from Kojokrom to Eshiem
Procurement Method: Single (5km) including
Source
• Station at Eshiem
Funding: GoG • Supply and installation of semi-
automatic level crossings
Type of Contract: • No Signaling
Design and Build • No Rolling Stock
(FIDIC Red Book) Design Criteria

• Gauge- Standard gauge (1435mm)

• Design Speed -120km/h
• Axle Load-21 tons
• Stations – None

Duration: 12 Months

Project Cost: US$: 20,136,238.00

 COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA
No. Name of Project Contractor and Distance Project Scope and Cost Price/Km
Procurement Method

3. Eshiem-Manso Contractor: Amandi Holdings Ltd 17km Scope: Construction of a railway line 4.4 Million per km
from Eshiem to Manso. Negotiated to 3.97
Procurement Method: Single Million following the
Source • Stations and Halts: Angu and Manso. completion of VfM
One Halt to be located by Employer
Funding: GoG • Supply and Installation of semi-
automatic level crossings.
Type of Contract: • 7m standard gauge formation with
Design and Build Bituminous surfacing on Subbase
(FIDIC Red Book) • No Signaling and Communication
• No Rolling Stock

Design Criteria:
Gauge: Standard Gauge (1435mm)
Speed: 120km/h
Axle Load: 21 tons

Duration: 24 Months

Project Cost: US$75,045820.00

 COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA
No. Name of Project Contractor and Distanc Project Scope and Cost Price/Km
Procurement Method e

4. Tema-Akosombo Contractor: AFCONS 85km Scope: Construction of Single Standard gauge 4.7 Million
Infrastructure Ltd railway line from Tema-Akosombo (85km)
Less Provisional
Procurement Method: Single • Formation – subbase (blanket) 25cm Class Sums for 50% Land
Source A Acquisition and
• Signaling and Communication (ERTMS Owner’s Engineer
Funding: Indian EXIM ECTS Level I)
Type of Contract: EPC • Railhead with basic facilities at Tema and
(Silver Book) Akosombo 4.2 Million
• 5 Nos Railway Stations
• Railway Maintenance Facility
• Capacity Building

Design Criteria:
Gauge: Standard Gauge (1435mm)
Design Speed: 120km/h
Axle Load: 21 tons

Provisional Sums: 50% of the Land to be

acquired. Cost of Land Acquisition factored
into Contract Sum
Cost of engaging Owner’s Engineer
 COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA
No. Name of Project Contractor and Distance Project Scope and Cost Price/Km
Procurement Method

5. Continuation of Western Contractor:
Railway Line (Manso- China Wuju Railway Corp Group
Dunkwa) (CRWJ)
Procurement Method: Restrictive
Tendering (2012)
Funding: China Development Bank
Type of Contract:
Traditional Design and Build based
on Employer’s design (FIDIC Red
Book)
132km Scope: Single standard gauge railway line To be defined with new
from Manso (Km 32.6) to Dunkwa (km 165) BOQ
with double formation on variant section
3.98 Million for the
• Formation: Single standard gauge with a Whole Line
double formation on variant sections with (2012 Tender)
Bituminous Surfacing
• Renovation of 19 Nos. station buildings
and facilities within the section which
should be specified by the Employer in
the approval of Technical Documents
• Supply and installation of Level Crossing
systems
• Supply of Rolling Stock
• Signalling and Communication

Design Criteria:
Gauge: Standard gauge (1435mm)
Design Speed: 120km/h to Tarkwa, 160km/h
after Tarkwa to Dunkwa
Axle Load: 21 tons to Tarkwa.
 COMPARISON OF RAILWAY CONTRACTS
IN GHANA
No. Name of Project Contractor and Distance Project Scope and Cost Price/Km
Procurement Method

6. Central Spine (Kumasi- Contractor: China Civil Engineering
Bechem section) Construction Corporation (CCECC)
Procurement Method: Single
Source:
Funding: China Development Bank
(CDB)
Type of Contract: EPC
(Silver Book)
96 km Scope: Construction of a Single track 5.2 Million
Standard Gauge Railway Line from Kumasi
to Bechem Less Provisional Sums
and Cost of Supply of
Formation: Standard Gauge with Bituminous Rolling Stock
Surfacing
Signaling and Communication- ERTMS 4.6 million
ETCS Level 2
Railway Maintenance Workshop at Kumasi
5 No Railway Stations
Supply of Rolling Stock for Testing and
Commissioning
Capacity Building

Design Criteria:
Gauge: Standard Gauge (1435mm)
Design Speed: 160km/h
Axle Load: 25 tons
Signalling and Comm: ECTS Level 2

Provisional Sums: 100 % Land Acquisition

and Compensation