The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the government to provide full details regarding its recent acquisition of two refurbished diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, arguing that transparency is necessary to assess the long-term value of the investment to Ghana’s railway sector.
In a statement signed by Sulemana Alhassan Tampuli, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the NPP’s Transport Sector Committee, the Minority Caucus welcomed the move as a positive step toward revitalising rail transport and reducing pressure on the country’s road network. However, the party expressed concern that key information about the locomotives has not been disclosed.
According to the statement, information available to the Minority suggests that the locomotives are refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel-electric engines, originally manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 1983 and previously operated by Colas Rail. The NPP noted that out of the 135 units produced, fewer than 15 remain in active service globally, with many experiencing reduced operational efficiency.
While acknowledging that refurbished locomotives can continue to provide valuable service if properly maintained, the party argued that Ghanaians deserve clarity on the locomotives’ operational history, the extent of refurbishment carried out, their expected remaining lifespan and the total cost of ownership over time.
The Minority also raised concerns about maintenance sustainability, warning that the withdrawal of most Class 56 locomotives from mainstream service worldwide could make spare parts increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain. It therefore called on the government to reveal the maintenance arrangements, spare parts agreements, technical support structures and local capacity-building programmes that have been put in place to support the new acquisitions.
The statement contrasted the current procurement with the Diesel Multiple Units acquired from Poland’s PESA under the previous NPP administration, which the party said included a five-year maintenance framework and provisions for technology and skills transfer.
In addition, the NPP questioned whether the Tema–Mpakadan railway corridor is fully prepared to support freight operations. The party cited concerns about the availability of critical logistics infrastructure at the Mpakadan railhead, including mobile harbour cranes, reach stackers, container handling systems and other intermodal facilities required for efficient cargo movement.
The Minority Caucus maintained that while investments in railway development are important for Ghana’s transportation future, they must be accompanied by transparency, proper planning and assurances that the assets acquired will deliver sustainable value for the country.
