The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned the government’s acquisition of two refurbished diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, calling for full disclosure on their age, condition, cost and long-term value to Ghana’s railway sector.
In a statement issued by its Transport Sector Committee on June 25, the NPP said while it welcomed investments aimed at revitalising rail transport, the government had failed to provide critical information needed for an objective assessment of the acquisition.
“Any investment aimed at reviving rail transport, improving freight mobility, and reducing pressure on the nation’s road network is a step in the right direction and deserves commendation,” the statement said.
However, it argued that transparency was essential to determine whether the locomotives represented the most sustainable and cost-effective investment.
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 refurbished locomotives can still provide useful service life when properly maintained, Ghanaians deserve full transparency regarding the age, operational history, refurbishment scope, expected remaining service life, and total lifecycle costs associated with these assets,” the statement said.
The party noted that although the British Rail Class 56 was designed for heavy freight haulage and had earned a reputation as a powerful locomotive, the equipment was built more than four decades ago and belongs to an earlier generation of railway technology.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
