Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of the New Force Movement, has outlined a bold infrastructure vision aimed at transforming Ghana’s transportation and logistics landscape. Speaking at the launch of his party’s manifesto, Bediako announced plans to develop a comprehensive railway network spanning over 8,000 kilometers, a project he describes as central to the party’s agenda.
“Our vision is to develop a comprehensive railway network exceeding 8,000 kilometers. That is 1.5 million tons of steel. It will be very difficult to import this from outside. That’s why we have our eyes on the iron ore in the Industrial Revolution, some in the East, and other parts of Ghana,” Bediako stated. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Ghana’s own resources, particularly in manufacturing the steel needed for the railway infrastructure.
The proposed railway network, which is expected to cost billions of dollars, will connect key corridors across the country, including the Eastern and Western Corridors. Bediako revealed that the network would also extend to Ghana’s borders with Togo, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. “When it gets to the edge, we stop. That is us creating new transportation and logistical paths and not remaining on the colonial roads that were built for us. Now, we’re making our own paths to distribute our own goods,” he explained.
In a significant statement, Bediako suggested that Ghanaian companies could be contracted to continue the railway network into neighboring countries. “It’s likely when we get to the border, Ghanaians will be contracted to continue the railways. We will have the steel, we will have the skills, just like what the English did to Europe. Once you have the skills, once you have the funds, and once you have the reserves and you have industrial power, you are in control,” he remarked.
This ambitious project is part of what Bediako referred to as “Pillar 2” of the New Force Movement’s manifesto. He stressed the importance of connectivity, both in terms of water and rail, as crucial to Ghana’s future development. “The moon needs the sun to shine,” Bediako concluded, highlighting the interconnectedness of his party’s vision for the nation.
The New Force Movement’s manifesto launch marks a significant moment in Ghana’s political landscape, with Bediako’s railway plan set to be a major point of discussion in the upcoming election cycle.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
