Accra: Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has unveiled a plan to transform Takoradi Port into a major cargo gateway for Sahel countries through a proposed 1,012-kilometer railway connecting to Hamile in the Upper West Region. This development aims to establish Ghana as a key regional transit and logistics hub, while alleviating the burden on the nation's roadways caused by cargo trucks.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Ato Forson expressed concern about the damage inflicted by overloaded vehicles and highlighted the preparation of stricter sanctions to address this issue. He emphasized that the government is committed to making overloading and road destruction a thing of the past through punitive measures.
Dr Ato Forson elaborated that the government is focusing on a long-term strategy involving the construction of a railway line to facilitate direct transportation of goods from Takoradi to Hamile, enabling seamless movement into neighboring Sahel countries. He highlighted the potential for this infrastructure to serve as a vital link for goods bound for the Sahel, promoting the use of rail transport over roadways.
The proposed railway is anticipated to reduce strain on major highways, preserve road infrastructure, and enhance cross-border trade, thus bolstering Ghana's role as a preferred transit destination in West Africa. The Finance Minister also mentioned ongoing discussions with Burkina Faso, Mali, and other Sahelian nations concerning funding arrangements for the project, which is projected to take three to five years to complete.