The Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) to work with professionalism and integrity to revamp the country's deteriorated railway sector.Expressing confidence in them, he underscored that the Board's work would be central to the realisation of government's vision to modernise the railway system as part of broader efforts to reposition the economy.According to the Minister, the railway sector remains a crucial pillar in the country's development agenda, and the government was relying on the newly constituted Board to spearhead initiatives that would attract private investment and promote innovation in the sub-sector.Speaking at a briefing inaugural ceremony held in Accra on Friday, Mr Nikpe emphasised that the Board's collective expertise would be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of an efficient and modern railway system that serves all Ghanaians and supports sustainable economic growth.The event, held in line with Section 4(2) of the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779), marked the formal constitution of the eleven-member Board appointed by the President in accordance with Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution.He reiterated government's commitment to transforming the railway sector as a key component of the National Democratic Congress's "Resetting Ghana Manifesto.""The revamping of our railway system is not just about laying tracks," he stated. "It is about laying the foundations for industrial growth, improving logistics and trade, connecting communities, and creating sustainable jobs."He added that a functioning rail system would reduce pressure on roads, cut transport costs, and enhance movement within and beyond Ghana.Touching on the challenges facing the sector, the Minister outlined issues including obsolete infrastructure, outdated rolling stock, poor maintenance, inadequate financing, and limited technical capacity.This, he lamented that operations across the country's 947km narrow gauge network had fallen to unacceptable levels.The newly sworn-in Board members are Mr Richard Aburi-Yinga Anamoo as the Chairman, Dr Frederick Appoh, Mr George Lomotey, Mr George Debrah, Mr Komla Wogbemase, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, Mr Kwame Kwakye, Dr James Kofi Kutsoati, Ms Nafisatu Iddrisu, and Mr Tanko Mohammed as members.Mr Nikpe reminded the Board of their legal mandate under Section 5 of Act 779, which includes ensuring the effective performance of the Authority, initiating sound management policies, and overseeing the Railway Development Fund.He urged the Board to adhere to good governance practices, stressing that it must report directly to the Ministry and refrain from assuming management roles.
Railway revamp key to jobs, trade, connectivity - Minister of Transport - Ghanaian Times
Published:
6 hours ago
Source:
Ghanaian Times