The Tema-Mpakadan railway project faces a major setback as rampant bolt and nut theft threatens the safety and timely launch of the shuttle service scheduled for April.

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During a recent inspection, Ghana Railway Authority (GRA) officials, led by Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Frederick Apoh, discovered that thieves had removed critical bolts and nuts securing the rails to concrete beams, particularly at the 61-kilometre mark.

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The GRA has raised alarm over acts of vandalism along the 97-kilometre stretch, which have left sections of the railway tracks dangerously unstable.

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Additionally, essential buffer stops metal structures designed to regulate train speed had been stolen, likely for scrap, further compromising the railway’s structural integrity.

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Dr. Apoh expressed grave concerns over the safety implications, stating, “We must ensure that all infractions observed from kilometre one to sixty-five are resolved before the Tema-Mpakadan service begins. Otherwise, the likelihood of an accident is high.”

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Beyond vandalism, encroachment by squatters along the railway corridor has exacerbated the situation.

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Areas such as Tema, Ashaiman, Tulaku, and Afienya have seen unauthorized settlements dangerously close to the railway tracks.

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Just two weeks ago, a woman in Ashaiman-Sackey was struck and killed by a passing train, underscoring the urgent need to clear these encroachments.

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Despite these pressing challenges, Dr. Apoh acknowledged that removing illegal settlers before the railway’s launch remains unlikely.

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“As part of our medium- to long-term strategy, we plan to collaborate with several agencies, including the Tema Development Company, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and the Ghana Police Service, to seek cabinet approval for the removal of illegal settlers. However, I do not anticipate this will happen before the maiden service in April,” he explained.Unauthorized access routes have also emerged along the railway, causing sand to accumulate and clog drainage systems, posing additional risks to smooth operations.

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During the inspection, a man was found digging a trench in the railway’s buffer zone, directly above buried signal cables. He was cautioned and ordered to refill the trench immediately.

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Despite these setbacks, the Tema-Mpakadan shuttle service is expected to improve transportation, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity along the corridor.

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According to the Acting Chief Executive Officer, if vandalism and encroachment are not swiftly addressed, the long-term sustainability of the railway project could be jeopardized.

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