Western corridor railway track to be upgraded for unhindered bauxite transport in Ghana

The Akufo-Addo government in Ghana has inked an agreement with Messrs Thelo DB Consortium of South Africa and Ghanaian firm Transtech Consult Limited for upgrading the Western Corridor railway track to simplify the coherent movement of freight as well as passengers.

As part of the government's integrated aluminium industry promotion, the $3.2 billion project is a critical component of the first phase of the railway master plan.

John-Peter Amewu, the Minister for Railway Development, stated, "The move would enable the government to extend the haulage of minerals resources to bauxite."

"An efficient rail transportation system along the Western Corridor would reduce freight transport costs and fuel consumption", he added.

In order to leverage West Africa's bauxite resources, GIADEC sought to partner with private companies to build infrastructure worth up to $6 billion. Ghana's bauxite reserves are estimated at 900 million tonnes, potentially producing 10 to 20 million tonnes annually.

The minister also said, “The project would extend the lifespan of the Western Corridor roads, reduce maintenance costs and improve road safety.”

On behalf of the government, Dr Daniel Adzogble, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), and Dr Michael Adjei Anyetei, Managing Director, signed the agreement, while Ronnie Ntuli, Chairman of Thelo DB, and Kwame Boadu, Managing Director of Transtech Consult, signed the agreement on behalf of the consortium.