The Ghana Railway Development Authority has dismissed claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the two locomotives recently procured by the government are outdated and only fit for a museum.
According to the NPP, information available to the Minority Caucus indicates that the locomotives are refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel-electric locomotives manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 1983 and previously operated by Colas Rail
However, the Authority said the locomotives were selected based on rigorous technical assessments, including their classification, intended line utilisation, and the operational constraints of the Tema–Mpakadan railway line.
Addressing journalists on Monday, July 6, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr. Frederick Appoh stressed that the procurement process was guided by engineering and operational requirements rather than appearance.
“I’ve heard rumours, of course. I’ve not really paid attention to them because, of course, it doesn’t matter. That the Class 56 is an old train. It is not. Class 56 has got three baselines. Baseline 1, 1974 to 1982. Baseline 2, 1984 to 1992. Baseline 3, 1992 to 1998. These are the baselines for the Class 56.
“Colas Rail, which operates in the United Kingdom. As of 2025, when I was in England, Colas Rail signed a five-year contract to operate the RATT contract with Network Rail. That’s 58 million pounds.
“DC Rail uses the Class 56 for movement of goods and other things. Thirdly, Class 56 fits perfectly in terms of attractive effort on the Tema-Mapakadan line. So, the question is, what was the technical justification for their statement? There’s none,” he said.
Dr. Frederick Appoh also outlined the expected benefits of the GHC38.7 million worth of locomotive wagons, describing them as a significant boost to Ghana’s rail transport system.
He said the wagons will improve the efficiency of freight and passenger services, enhance the movement of goods along the Tema–Mpakadan corridor, and support efforts to reduce pressure on the country’s road network.
