Project Profile: Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway, Ghana

The Tema-Mpakadan Railway is a 97.6-kilometer standard gauge line engineered to establish a critical freight and passenger corridor from the Port of Tema to the Volta Lake transport network. This project, featuring an iconic 300-meter bridge over the Volta River, forms the foundational segment of the larger Ghana-Burkina Faso Railway Interconnectivity initiative designed to enhance regional trade logistics.

Technical Specifications

The Tema-Mpakadan line is a single-track standard gauge (1435 mm) railway built to modern international standards. The route originates at Ghana’s primary deep-water port in Tema and includes six modern passenger stations and a dedicated freight terminal designed for seamless multimodal cargo transfer. A major engineering highlight is the 300-meter steel arch bridge crossing the Volta River between Senchi and Old Akrade, which is a critical link for the line’s northern extension.

A dedicated budget of $230 million was allocated for the procurement of modern rolling stock, including diesel-multiple units (DMUs) for passenger services and high-powered locomotives for heavy freight haulage. The line is equipped with a modern signaling and telecommunication system to ensure safe and efficient train operations, maximizing track capacity and meeting rigorous safety protocols for mixed-use (passenger and freight) traffic.

Key Takeaways

• Regional Trade Catalyst: The railway is the first phase of the 1,000 km Ghana-Burkina Faso project, creating a vital trade corridor for landlocked nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to access the Port of Tema.
• Economic Corridor Development: By shifting bulk cargo from road to rail, the project significantly reduces transport costs and road congestion, stimulating economic development and creating new logistical hubs along its route.
• Model for International Partnership: Financed by the Export-Import Bank of India and constructed by AFCONS Infrastructure, the project exemplifies a successful south-south cooperation model for delivering critical infrastructure in Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Tema-Mpakadan railway open?

As of late 2025, the Tema-Mpakadan railway is operational. Following its construction, which began in 2018 and faced delays due to the global pandemic, the line has been fully commissioned and is now serving both passenger and freight traffic connecting the port to the hinterland.

Who is building the Tema-Mpakadan railway?

The primary construction contractor for the Tema-Mpakadan railway project was AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, an Indian multinational engineering and construction company. The project was principally financed through a $447 million buyer’s credit facility from the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank).