The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the government to provide full details surrounding its acquisition of two refurbished diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, questioning whether the investment represents value for money and a sustainable solution for Ghana’s railway sector.
In a statement issued by the party’s Transport Sector Committee on June 25, the NPP said although it supports efforts to revitalise rail transport and improve freight mobility, the government has failed to disclose key information necessary for the public to properly assess the acquisition.
The party said transparency was needed regarding the locomotives’ age, operational history, refurbishment process, purchase cost, expected lifespan and long-term maintenance requirements.
According to the NPP, information available to the Minority Caucus indicates that the locomotives are refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel-electric locomotives manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 1983 and previously operated by Colas Rail.
While acknowledging that refurbished locomotives can continue to provide reliable service if properly maintained, the party argued that Ghanaians deserve to know whether acquiring equipment that is more than four decades old represents the most prudent investment for the country’s rail network.
The statement noted that although the British Rail Class 56 locomotives were designed for heavy freight operations and have a reputation for reliability, they belong to an earlier generation of railway technology and could require higher maintenance and operating costs compared to newer models.
“The critical question is therefore not simply whether locomotives have arrived, but whether they represent the most sustainable and cost-effective solution for Ghana’s railway sector over the long term,” the party stated.
The NPP also raised concerns about future maintenance, observing that the British Rail Class 56 fleet has largely been phased out from mainstream service in several countries.
It therefore called on the government to disclose the arrangements made for sourcing spare parts, technical support, lifecycle maintenance and training of local engineers to maintain the locomotives.
According to the party, the government should explain whether it has secured long-term agreements with refurbishment contractors or specialist maintenance providers and whether adequate stocks of critical spare parts have been procured.
The NPP contrasted the acquisition with the procurement of new Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) from Poland under the previous NPP administration, saying those trains were supplied brand new with a five-year maintenance and technical support package that facilitated technology transfer and enhanced operational reliability.
The party stressed that investments in the railway sector should be evaluated not only on the basis of acquiring rolling stock but also on their long-term efficiency, maintenance costs and contribution to a sustainable transport system.
It therefore urged the government to make public the full details of the transaction, insisting that Ghanaians have a right to know the age, cost, condition and maintenance arrangements for the refurbished locomotives, as well as how the acquisition fits into the country’s broader railway development strategy.
