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Potential for light-rail system in Kumasi, Ghana

Posted: 4 September 2019 | | No comments yet

The Ministry of Railways Development (MORD) in Ghana and a Consortium of companies are to carry out a feasibility study on the development of a light-rail system in the suburbs and centre of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region in southern Ghana.

Ghana light rail study MoU signing

Photo credit: Ministry of Railways Development, Ghana.

In a bid to advance the industrialisation of Ghana and reduce the high rates of road congestion, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed about a proposed light-rail system that a feasibility test is to explore. The light-rail system will allow easier travel into and around the capital of Kumasi, which has been highlighted as a priority city.

Dr Carl Laryea, leader of the Consortium, from Knights Transfer of Technologies, explained that they will provide and showcase their best technology and knowledge of the topic throughout the study to aid in the development of the light-rail system.

Other members of the Consortium include Metroprojekt, Novako EU, Metrostava a.s, Pragoimex, Ingos s.r.o and Electroline a.s.

The MORD hopes to use the Public Private Partnership (PPP) to fund the project and has been searching for suitable partners since 2017.

Delegates of the MORD have visited the Czech Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation and the Czech Export Bank after their expressed interest in providing funding for the development of rail systems in Ghana.