Transport Ministry Defends Class 56 Locomotives Purchase, Says Deal is ‘Value for Money’

The Ministry of Transport has responded to concerns raised by the NPP Minority Transport Committee over the Ghana Railway Development Authority’s acquisition of two diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, saying the equipment is commercially viable and not “museum pieces.”

In a statement, the Ministry said the criticism of the British Rail Class 56 locomotives as “toys fit for the museum” reflects “a fundamental misunderstanding of railway engineering.”

The Ministry explained that railway assets are assessed on structural integrity, reliability, maintainability, tractive effort and whole-life cost, not age alone.

It noted that before importation, the two Class 56 locomotives underwent heavy maintenance in the United Kingdom.

The work included a complete overhaul of diesel engines, traction equipment, motors, bogies, brake systems, and the installation of GSM-R digital radio and other safety equipment required for UK main-line operation.

“The suppliers have given a five-year warranty against operational defects. Under a strict maintenance regime, these rolling stocks could provide productive service for at least fifteen (15) years before any major maintenance,” the Ministry stated.

It added that Class 56 locomotives remain in commercial freight use in the UK with Colas Rail, DCRail and GB Railfreight, and in Hungary with Floyd Zrt.

Colas Rail operates them under a £58 million Network Rail contract until 2030.

On maintenance concerns, the Ministry said GRDA has secured commitments for about five years’ stock of fast-moving parts and consumables.

Engineers from the supplier have also arrived in Ghana to begin hands-on training and technology transfer for GRDA technicians.

The Ministry contrasted the deal with the previous administration’s procurement of two PESA Diesel Multiple Units for US$14.67 million, about GH¢164.7 million, “despite one unit being refurbished.”

By comparison, the current NDC government acquired two heavy freight Class 56 locomotives and 20 container wagons for approximately GH¢37.6 million, equivalent to US$3.18 million.

“Whilst the NPP Government spent over GH¢164.7 million on two passenger trains, the NDC Government has spent only a fraction of that amount to acquire two heavy freight locomotives and twenty wagons to establish Ghana’s first structured container rail freight business,” it said.

The Ministry stressed the locomotives are freight-specific and cannot be compared to passenger DMUs.

“These are not decorative assets. They are revenue-generating freight assets designed to move containers and industrial cargo between Tema Port and Mpakadan.”

The Ministry dismissed claims that GRDA lacks lifting equipment, saying it already has two Reach Stackers and five Heavy Duty Forklifts for container handling. It is also procuring two Gantry Cranes for long-term capacity.

On cargo demand, it said feasibility studies ahead of the India EXIM Bank financing in 2016 showed positive freight demand.

GRDA is finalising Commercial Off-take Agreements, one projected to generate about US$3.5 million annually.

“Based on the already secured Off-take Agreement, the rolling stock investment cost will be recovered within about two (2) years while providing at least fifteen (15) additional years of productive service. That is not a waste. That is value for money,” the statement said.

The Ministry accused the NPP administration of leaving railway infrastructure in poor condition despite budgetary allocations and a dedicated Railway Development Ministry between 2017 and 2024.

It cited the Kojokrom-Sekondi line, which it says was idle for 2.5 years until repaired in April 2026, and unresolved defects on the Tema-Mpakadan line that were fixed to allow passenger services to start in October 2025.

Under President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry said it has restored Kojokrom-Sekondi-Takoradi passenger services, recommissioned a DMU, and secured US$21 million in EU support to address signalling on the Tema-Mpakadan line.

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