President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians of the resolve of his government to expand the railway network in the country and extend it to neighbouring countries.

In view of that, Mr Akufo-Addo disclosed in his second State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, February 8, that government is “in the final stages of agreeing with a significant investor the terms of a BOT agreement, from Takoradi to Kumasi, which will be presented to Parliament this session”.

He pointed out that there is already a contractor on site for the construction of the Kojokrom to Manso section of the Takoradi to Kumasi rail line.

The president indicated that the process has commenced to select a suitable partner for the construction of the Eastern Line, from Accra to Tema to Kumasi, adding: “We aim to break ground this year”.

“The Central Spine, from Kumasi to Paga, is also receiving attention, and consultants have been engaged to advice government on the best model for the development of the line,” he explained.

He said: “Ghana and Burkina Faso are in earnest discussions as to the realisation of the Tema-Ouagadougou railway line. There are fortnightly meetings, either in Accra or Ouagadougou, and we are confident that deliberations will conclude, and actual construction will commence by the third quarter of this year”.