Government committed to revamp rail sector- Minister
The Minister of Railways Development, Hon. Joe Ghartey, has promised to work assiduously to revamp Ghana’s crippling railway sector which would further transform the economy.
The Minister stated that, Ghana’s dream of economic transformation will only materialize if government focuses on expanding the railway sector.
“From Kumasi to Buipe forms the bread basket of this nation, we are convinced beyond doubt that if this line is developed, the price of foodstuffs, the economic benefits will be unimaginable. Mr Chairman, fuel is fifty (50) percent less if it is carried by rail. Cocoa is twenty-five (25) percent less if it is carried by rail,” he said.
Hon. Joe Ghartey spoke to Otec News in an exclusive interview during a day tour to some railway lines in the Kumasi metropolis, which were abandoned.
He said a revamping of the railway sector will improve the lives of Ghanaians and increase productivity, by reducing the stress people go through using congested roads, as they are forced to spend several hours in traffic.
The Minister for Railways hinted talks are far advanced with stakeholders to construct a country-length railway into Burkina’s capital, Ouagadougou.
Hon. Joe Ghartey noted that the railway interconnectivity project would primarily complement the development in the port and trade industries.
He said the just ended conference for the Joint Committee of Experts for Burkina-Ghana interconnectivity in Accra resulted in a communique that makes facilitation of the project imminent.
“Currently, official agreements for a transaction advisor for the project and contractor are the only things pending” he stated.
Hon. Joe Ghartey affirmed his ministry’s commitment to comply with the Community Railway policy, by providing employment to many Ghanaians under the project.
Among the entourage were the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Osei Asibey Antwi, The MCE for Asokore Mampong, Mr. Alidu Seidu, Deputy Ashanti regional minister Hon. Elizabeth Agyeman and some railway workers.
Source: otecfmghana.com/ Eric Asamoah Protocol
