Ghana prepares two phases for Western Rail Line
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 3News
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announces a two-phase Western Rail Line, with the first phase to link Nyinahin to support bauxite mining. The project will be presented on Thursday in the government’s new economic plan, according to 3News.
The first phase of the Western Rail Line is to connect Ghana’s railway network to Nyinahin to facilitate bauxite mining, while the second is to extend the line to Hamile, on Ghana’s northern border, President John Dramani Mahama said. The Minister of Finance is to present the two phases on Thursday as part of the government’s new economic plan, according to the Ghanaian president.
John Dramani Mahama also said the line could transport bauxite, manganese and lithium to the port of Takoradi, while allowing Burkina Faso to transit its imports and exports between Takoradi and Hamile. The president was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Berth 19 project at the port of Takoradi.
The Berth 19 project, intended to increase the Takoradi port’s bulk cargo handling capacity, is worth about $98 million and is to be built in 26 months. John Dramani Mahama said a stage related to the shipyard works was expected after 18 months, before commissioning at the end of the 26-month period. Ghana’s 2027 budget is to be presented on Thursday evening.
