Minister for Railways Development, Peter Amewu, says the Ghana-Burkina Faso railway connectivity project is on course.
The project lies on the Eastern Corridor of the country and starts from Mpakadan where ongoing construction from the Tema port terminates.
The Minister said the vision to have a railway interconnectivity between Tema Port and Ouagadougou remains a key priority due to its importance in accelerating the socio-economic growth of Ghana and Burkina Faso.
He said the railway line from Mpakadan to Tema, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by November this year.
The Railway project which covers the entire stretch of over 1000 kilometres from Mpakadan to Ouagadougou was completed in June last year after series of engagements with various stakeholders in both countries.
The line will continue from Mpakadan and will go through Kpeve, Hohoe, Jasikan, Nkwanta, Bimbila, Yendi, Tamale, Walewale, Bolgatanga, Navrongo and Paga. The alignment also includes a branch line from Yendi to Sheini, to facilitate the exploitation of the huge iron ore deposits that have been discovered.
In Burkina Faso, the railway alignment will go through major towns like PO, Zavbre, Tenkodogo, Manga and Ouagadougou. The Minister for Railway Development, Peter Amewu reiterated the commitment of both governments to continue to remain focused to ensure the realization of the project.
Minister for Transport, Urban Mobility and Road Safety of Burkina Faso, Vincent Dabilgou, who spoke through an interpreter, said the project will boost the economy of both countries.
The project when completed will facilitate transportation of agricultural goods, construction materials, manufactured goods, petroleum products, containerized cargo and passengers. The railway line will also have huge economic potential following the discovery in commercial quantities of mineral resources like iron ore, bauxite and manages.
By: Adiza Bawa and Emmanuella Addo.
