The Ministry of Transport has defended the government’s acquisition of two diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, rejecting criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) describing the equipment as unsuitable and outdated.
In a detailed response issued on Thursday, 2 July 2026, the ministry argued that assessments of railway rolling stock are not based solely on age, insisting that functionality, maintenance history, reliability and commercial viability are the key industry benchmarks used in global railway engineering.
According to the ministry, the Class 56 locomotives acquired for Ghana underwent extensive refurbishment in the United Kingdom before being shipped, including a full overhaul of diesel engines, traction systems, bogies and braking components, as well as upgrades to safety and communication systems.
The statement added that the locomotives were fitted with modern railway safety technology, including GSM-R digital radio systems, and were tested and certified prior to export, with a five-year warranty provided by suppliers against operational defects.
The ministry said that under proper maintenance regimes, the rolling stock is expected to remain operational for at least 15 years, stressing that similar locomotives remain in active commercial use in countries such as the United Kingdom and Hungary.
It further noted that operators in the UK, including Colas Rail and DCRail, continue to deploy Class 56 locomotives for freight and infrastructure services under commercial contracts, demonstrating their continued relevance in modern rail operations.
The ministry also disclosed that arrangements have been made with suppliers to secure spare parts for at least five years, ensuring sustained maintenance and operational efficiency.
According to the statement, the locomotives are expected to support container transport, industrial logistics and freight movement, while helping to reduce pressure on road networks and generate revenue for the railway sector.
The government said the investment forms part of broader efforts to reposition Ghana’s railway system as a key driver of economic activity, particularly under plans to support a 24-hour economy.
Responding to broader criticisms of the rail sector, the ministry pointed to challenges inherited from previous years, including stalled projects, infrastructure defects and financial constraints that affected key lines such as Kojokrom–Sekondi and Tema–Mpakadan.
It said several of these issues have since been addressed under the current administration, including the restoration of passenger services on the Kojokrom–Sekondi–Takoradi line and ongoing rehabilitation works on the Western Railway Line.
The ministry maintained that ongoing interventions, including European Union-supported upgrades to the Tema–Mpakadan line, reflect government’s commitment to repositioning the railway sector as a viable and efficient transport alternative.
It concluded that recent progress in the sector demonstrates improved planning and stronger execution in railway development, insisting that the current approach prioritises value for money and practical economic outcomes.
