GRDA Warns of Railway Safety Threats
The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has raised concerns over growing safety threats along the Tema–Mpakadan Railway Line following an incident in which a passenger train collided with and killed six goats on the track.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GRDA, Frederick Appoh, said the incident, which occurred on July 30, highlights persistent challenges including encroachment, vandalism and deliberate interference with railway operations.
According to him, the passenger train, DMU002, was carrying more than 150 passengers when it struck the animals while travelling at approximately 45 kilometres per hour on the railway line.
Mr. Appoh stressed the need for the public to adhere to railway safety regulations, explaining that trains cannot suddenly stop or change direction to avoid obstacles on the track due to their weight, speed and braking distance.
He said the incident reinforces the importance of keeping people, vehicles and livestock away from railway corridors.
The GRDA CEO disclosed that railway authorities have recorded several cases of people entering restricted areas, including an incident where an individual remained seated on the track despite repeated warnings from an approaching train horn.
He said railway personnel had to intervene physically to remove the individual from the track to prevent a possible disaster.
Beyond encroachment, Mr. Appoh revealed that the authority has also recorded several cases of deliberate attacks and obstruction along the railway line.
He noted that more than six incidents involving stones being thrown at trains and 11 cases where stones were intentionally placed on railway tracks have been documented.
According to him, such actions pose serious operational risks, including possible derailments, especially as heavier freight services are expected to commence operations on the route.
He explained that while the passenger trains currently operating on the line generate about 750 kilowatts of power, the freight locomotives expected to begin revenue operations will generate approximately 2.25 megawatts (3,000 horsepower) and transport significantly heavier loads.
Mr. Appoh said the increased weight and momentum of freight trains mean they require longer distances to stop and cannot immediately respond to people, animals or vehicles obstrqucting the tracks.
He further disclosed that the GRDA is facing challenges securing some sections of the railway corridor, with some newly installed fences being deliberately vandalised.
