Accra: An expert in logistics and transport has emphasized the need for an efficient railway system to connect Ghana's ports to inland terminals, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce cargo evacuation time and alleviate road congestion.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ignatius Kwasi Awortwe, a Senior Member of the Railway Technical Working Group of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), pointed out the challenges posed by the current dependence on trucks for cargo evacuation. He noted that this reliance contributes to road congestion, deterioration, accidents, and increased logistics costs.
Speaking at a media forum organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Awortwe warned that these issues could hinder Ghana's goal of becoming a major logistics hub and a preferred transit corridor for landlocked countries in the region. He illustrated that a vessel carrying approximately 60,000 tonnes of clinker currently takes over nine days for evacuation. However, with an efficient railway system, this duration could be reduced to about 48 hours.
'With rail, I promise you, within 48 hours, the vessel should be empty,' he assured.
Mr Awortwe emphasized that prolonged cargo evacuation pressures port operations and road infrastructure, inflating business costs. He advocated for rail as an efficient means of transporting large volumes of cargo at a lower cost, positioning it as a crucial element of Ghana's logistics value chain.
He also underscored that efficient rail connectivity would mitigate the government's financial burden on road maintenance due to heavy truck traffic. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of developing the railway system alongside investments in inland terminals, improved roads, and a coherent transport policy to ensure a complementary relationship between different transport modes.
Mr Awortwe proposed transitioning from a system dominated by truck-based cargo transfer to an integrated approach where rail handles long-distance movement, with trucks focusing on first- and last-mile deliveries. This strategy, he argued, would enhance cargo evacuation, reduce congestion, and bolster Ghana's status as a regional logistics hub.