GRDA secures €20m EU grant to upgrade Tema–Mpakadan railway signalling

The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has secured a €20 million grant from the European Union to modernize the signalling and train control systems on the 97-kilometre Tema–Mpakadan railway line. Announced by the GRDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Frederick Appoh, the funding is specifically earmarked to address current infrastructure limitations that restrict the frequency of train movements along this critical corridor. This upgrade is a strategic component of the government's ongoing effort to revitalize the nation's rail network and improve multimodal transport connectivity.

Central to the project is the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1. This advanced technology will automate safety protocols and allow for more precise monitoring of train positions, significantly increasing the line's operational capacity. Once the system is fully operational, the corridor is expected to support up to nine train movements per hour. This enhancement is projected to transform both passenger and freight services, making rail a more efficient and reliable alternative to road transport between the industrial hub of Tema and the inland port area of Mpakadan.

The project is scheduled for completion by December 2027 and represents a significant international partnership in Ghana's infrastructure development. This EU grant complements an initial investment of approximately $440 million already committed by the government toward the development of the Tema–Mpakadan corridor. By integrating modern signalling technology with existing physical infrastructure, the GRDA aims to maximize the return on these investments, facilitating smoother trade routes and providing a modern transit solution for thousands of commuters.