Omanghana
Ghana is seeking stronger cooperation with India to expand its railway network, building on the two countries’ partnership on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa outlined the plans following bilateral discussions in Accra with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He identified India as a strategic partner in Ghana’s efforts to improve rail transport and ease pressure on its roads.
The Tema-Mpakadan standard-gauge railway, constructed by India’s Afcons Infrastructure, was financed through a US$447 million credit facility from the Export-Import Bank of India. The project is intended to connect Tema Port with the Volta Lake transport network, supporting the movement of agricultural produce, fuel, cement and containerised cargo.
It also forms part of Ghana’s wider plans to develop a railway corridor connecting the country to Burkina Faso.
Ablakwa said shifting more heavy cargo onto rail would help address road deterioration and congestion. The discussions also covered pharmaceutical production, with Ghana seeking Indian expertise to support its ambition to establish a domestic manufacturing hub.
Digital skills development featured in the talks, including potential Indian support for Ghana’s One Million Coders programme. Jaishankar expressed readiness to explore further collaboration in health, mining, defence, railways and technology.
The engagement follows the elevation of Ghana-India relations to a comprehensive partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ghana in July 2025. During a separate meeting with President John Dramani Mahama, Jaishankar said both countries were working to translate that partnership into practical cooperation.
The next Ghana-India Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation is expected early in 2027 to advance the discussions.
Source: Omanghana
