Blow as Ghana’s newly imported train from Poland collides with lorry in test run

Eastern Region, Ghana — A train recently imported from Poland collided with an abandoned lorry during a test run on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line in Ghana's Eastern Region, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred on Thursday and resulted in minor damage to the train's cabin area, but no injuries were reported among the train driver, railway inspectors, and passengers.

The Ghanaian Ministry of Railways Development confirmed that the lorry was unattended and not located at an authorized level crossing when the collision occurred. Despite the train driver's immediate application of the emergency brakes, the train could not stop in time to avoid the lorry.

The driver of the lorry has been arrested following the incident, with the police stating that the vehicle was left unattended on the railway tracks.

Railways Minister John Peter Amewu took to Facebook to describe the incident as "unfortunate, irresponsible, and unpatriotic." He emphasized the serious nature of the negligence involved and the potential danger it posed to public safety.

The Ghana Police Service has initiated a preliminary investigation, which confirmed the lorry was left on the railway line by the suspected driver, leading directly to the collision. Authorities have reassured the public that the investigation will continue and measures will be taken to ensure the safe operation of the railway system.

This train is one of two diesel-powered Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains recently purchased from Poland to enhance Ghana's railway transport system.

It arrived in the country two weeks ago and was undergoing a test run on the newly constructed 100km Tema-Mpakadan line, intended to improve public transport and develop Ghana's eastern corridor. The line is part of a larger planned 1,000 km project aimed at connecting Ghana with Burkina Faso through the port of Tema.

The second train is expected to be shipped in May and arrive in August, as stated by railway agency chief Yaw Osuwu. The introduction of these modern passenger coaches marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to modernize and expand its railway infrastructure.