Ministry of Transport Defends Acquisition of 2 Diesel Locomotives, 20 Freight Wagons, Slams NPP’s ‘Misleading’ Claims

The Ministry of Transport has responded to concerns raised by the NPP Minority Transport Committee on government’s procurement of two 2 diesel locomotives and twenty 20 freight wagons by the Ghana Railway Development Authority GRDA , saying the assets are revenue-generating, commercially viable, and not “toys fit for the museum.”

In a press release dated 02.07.2026, the Ministry said the Class 56 locomotives underwent heavy maintenance in the United Kingdom before importation. This included a complete overhaul of diesel engines, electrical traction equipment, traction motors and bogies, renewal of the brake system, installation of GSM-R digital railway radio, and replacement of worn-out mechanical components, followed by testing and certification.

“Under a strict routine and periodic maintenance regime, these rolling stocks could provide productive service for at least fifteen 15 years before any major maintenance,” the Ministry stated. The locomotives also come with a five-year warranty against operational defects.

*On age and spare parts*

The Ministry said the Class 56 remains in commercial freight service in the UK with operators like Colas Rail, DCRail and GB Railfreight, and is also used in Hungary. It noted that GRDA has commitments with suppliers to maintain about five 5 years stock of spare parts, particularly fast-moving parts and consumables.

Engineers have already arrived in Ghana to commence specialised hands-on training and technology transfer for GRDA technicians, it added.

*Cost comparison with NPP’s PESA DMUs*

The Ministry contrasted the procurement with the previous NPP Administration’s purchase of two-car PESA Diesel Multiple Unit trains for US$14.67 million, equivalent to about GH¢164.7 million, “despite one of the two units, DMU 002, being a refurbished train.”

By contrast, the current NDC Government acquired “two 2 heavy freight Class 56 locomotives and twenty 20 container wagons for approximately GH¢37.6 million, equivalent to US$3.18 million.”

“It was never intended to operate passenger services. Equally, the PESA DMUs procured by the NPP administration cannot undertake heavy freight haulage. Comparing the two is therefore technically infeasible,” it said.

*Tema-Mpakadan readiness and commercial viability*

Addressing claims that GRDA lacks lifting equipment, the Ministry said the Authority already has two 2 Reach Stackers and five 5 Heavy Duty Forklift Machines for container operations, and is procuring two 2 Gantry Cranes. “The claim that GRDA lacks lifting equipment is therefore factually inaccurate, technically uninformed and politically mischievous,” it stated.