His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, President of Ghana, on Tuesday 5th July 2022 cut sod for the commencement of the construction of a 78km single Standard Guage Western rail line in a beautiful ceremony at Manso in the Mpohor District in the Western Region.

The project will stretch from Manso to Huni Valley and is estimated at a cost of EUR 500 million to be completed within a 42 month period.

The project which is being undertaken by Amandi Investment Ltd includes a construction of railway stations, supply rolling stock as well as workshop equipment. It is also known to be the highest single standard Guage for rail development in Ghana.

The President in his speech mentioned that, the development of the Western line is on course with the 22km Kojokrom-Manso section progressing steadily and its scheduled to complete before the end of 2022.

H.E Nana Addo, sounded a strong caution to criminals and individuals stealing the rail lines, saying when caught, the law will take its course and the appropriate sanctions would be applied.

The President commended the Railway Ministry, the Board, Management and staff of Ghana Railway Developemnt Authority as well as the Ministry of Finance for finding the needed funds for the project.

Minister for Railway Development, Hon John Peter Amewu, indicated that, rail transportation provides the most appropriate means of haulage of heavy goods such as minerals, timber, cocoa, bauxite, cement and petroleum products which will prevent big trucks from damaging our roads.

Mr Yaw Owusu, CEO of Ghana Railway Development Authority highlighted the benefits that this project will bring to the various communities where the rail line passes.
He mentioned that, there will be technology and knowledge transfer as local hired will be trained on how to use specialized equipment.
Currently, Amandi has hired and trained about 700 local persons and is projected to employ more from the surrounding communities.
He further mentioned that, about 350 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) have received their compensation out of the 1600 identified, assuring that the rest will fully be compensated for their farms, buildings and lands as determined by the Lands Commission.
Mr Owusu, went on to thank all the various communities in advance for their sacrifices, inconveniences and other nuisance they may have to endure during the construction of the rail line.

The Western Regional Minister, Hon Kwabena Okyere Darko was present and he cited some ongoing rail projects in the western region, indicating that the government would not let the region down.

The Chief of Manso, Nana Katakyere II was present to show his immense support and was enthused about the economic growth the project will come with.
He also pleaded with the President to help secure their bad roads as it keeps deteriorating especially in the rainy season.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Minister for Transport, Hon Kweku Ofori Asiamah, Hon. Deputy Minister for Railways Development, Mr Kwaku Asante-Boateng, Deputy Minister for Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Mireku Duker, Deputy CEO of GRDA Madam Sussan Kudjoe, Ag Managing Director of GRCL, ING Dr. Michael Adjei Anyetei and Ag Chief Director of MoRD, Mr Desmond Boateng. The rest included Former Minister of Railways Development and MP for Essikado, Hon Joe Ghartey, MP for Mpohor, Hon Sannie, Management and staff of GRDA, MoRD, TEAM Engineering and Amandi Investment Ltd.