Mandate

The Ghana Railway Development Authority is a statutory body established by the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779) to ensure the development and modernization of the railway systems, both national and suburban in Ghana

Objectives

Promote the development of railways services. Hold, administer and improve the Railway Assets. Promote the development and management of suburban railway

Mission

To lead and develop the rail transport system in partnership with the industry players and to enable the safe, reliable, environmentally friendly and efficient delivery of services

Vision

To become an organization that provides a viable and sustainable railway system that is responsible to the needs of the people to boost the socio-economic development of Ghana

BRIEF HISTORY OF RAILWAYS IN GHANA

The Railway industry in Ghana has its own history. The small but economically vital rail network is confined to the lower half of the country with a route of 947 kilometer and track length of 1300 kilometers. It comprises the western line 373.8 kilometers from Takoradi to Kumasi including the branch lines from Takoradi to Prestea, from Dunkwa to Awaso and Sekondi to Kojokrom the central line 239km from Huni Vallay to Kotoku with a branch line from Achiasi Junction to Kade and the Eastern line 330km from Accra to Kumasi with a branch line from Achimota to Tema Harbour. Construction of the network started in Sekondi in 1898. The initial stretch of 66 kilometers from Sekondi to Tarkwa was completed in 1901 and service to Tarkwa commenced. The Railways was then a wing of the Gold Coast Civil Service.

It became Railway and Ports Authority in 1972 and on the 1st of July 1977 under (SMCD95), the Ghana Railway Corporation was established as a body corporate under the a separate administration distinct from the port. On the 7th of march 2001 under the company’s Act,1963 (Act 179), the Ghana Railway Company Limited was created with registration number 94, 198. In a bid to resuscitate the Railway industry and promote involvement of the private investors or sovereign wealth fund in the financing, developing and operating the Railway network in Ghana, the Ghana Railway Development Authority was created in January 2009. In so doing the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Railway Development Authority will provide the requisite infrastructure while the private sector will provide the operational services.

ESTABLISHMENT OF GHANA RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) was established under the Railways Act 2008, Act 779 passed by parliament on 14th November, 2008 and received Presidential Assent on 6th January, 2009. Our Objectives as an Authority is to;

Promote the development of Railways and Railways service, hold, administer and improve Railway Assets

Promote the development and management of suburban railway

Our Core Values

Accountability

Being accountable to our stakeholders and to the nation in the execution of the mandate and responsibilities bestowed upon the Authority

Innovation and Excellence

We are committed to bringing innovative ideas and creating new and better ways of doing things

Integrity

Being exemplary in our behaviour and acting with honesty and integrity in all our transactions.

Professionalism

Adopting an approach that demonstrates professionalism in competency, character, attitude and conduct

Our People

We are committed to building and supporting our employees

Teamwork

Upholding teamwork and collaboration in order to realize the synergies of working together.

Fairness

Being fair in all dealings with consumers, service providers and the other stakeholders and discharge our duties with neutrality and impartiality, without fear or favour

Social Responsibility

We consider all social factors in our dealings and earnestly contribute towards the greater good of our country

Functions of Ghana Railway Development Authority

  • Grant licenses, concessions and leases which are necessary for the operation of railways and railway services and perform other related functions including the keeping of a register of Railway Operations Licenses and Sub-licenses.
  • Exercise ownership rights over assets that are transferred to the Authority from Ghana Railway Company Limited.
  • Set an enforce safety and security standards for the construction and operation of railways in accordance with the Act.
  • Regulate and monitor the activities of licenses, concessions and operators of Railway.
  • Initiate, conduct, promote and encourage studies necessary for the growth and development of Railways including the development of Master Plan and set standards.
  • Initiate, conduct, promote and encourage studies necessary for the growth and development of railways including the development of Master Plan and set standards.
  • Oversee the administration of the Railway Development Fund and ensure that the Fund is used for the purpose set out for the Act.
  • Ensure collaboration with other public, private or international agencies necessary for the development of its functions.
  • Advise the Government on railways matters generally.
  • Subject to Section 98;
    • Carry out any transitional function that is necessary for the growth and sustainability of railways.
    • Carry out other activities incidental to its functions.
    • Subject to ministerial directives, perform the functions of a railway regulator.

Featured profiles

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Hon. John-Peter AmewuMinister for Railways Development, MP
Hon. John-Peter Amewu is the current Minister for Railways Development in Ghana. Prior to this position, he was the Minister for Energy from August 2018 to March 2021 and the Minister for Lands & Natural Resources from February 2017 to August 2018.
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Hon. Kwaku Asante-BoatengDeputy Minister for Railways Development, MP

He holds a BSc. (Hons.) Degree in Land Economy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Planning and Management from the Ghana Institute of Public Administration (GIMPA) and an MBA in Finance from the University of Ghana, Legon.

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Dr Martin Amogre Ayanore Board Chairman
Dr Ayanore’s vision is to provide oversight to ensure the massive revamping of the country railway network and place the country yet on another path of economic growth and prosperity as envisioned by our forebears
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Mr Yaw OwusuChief Executive Officer

He has been instrumental in the successful negotiation and management of multi-million railway development projects and contracts in his 5 years tenure as the Deputy CEO in charge of Operations and most recently as the CEO

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Madam Susana Akosua Delali KudjoeDeputy Chief Executive Officer
She has served on Micro and Small Loan Centre (MASLOC) as a Board Member and currently serves on Mawuko Girls Senior High School Board as a member. Susana is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Railway Development Authority
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