Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has announced that the Ministry of Transport is preparing an official response to concerns raised by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the government’s acquisition of two refurbished diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Nikpe said he had received a four-page document outlining the opposition’s concerns and was working with the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) to provide a comprehensive response.
“I have received a four-page write-up about the locomotive, and I am preparing a response for them,” the Minister said.
He stressed that while the government welcomes public scrutiny and accountability, such discussions should be conducted constructively.
“I just believe that everybody has the right to ask questions, but you don’t ask them in a way that will lead to unnecessary arguments. So very soon you will have an official response from the Ministry of Transport and our agency, the Ghana Railway Development Authority,” he stated.
The Minister’s comments follow criticism by the NPP over the railway acquisition.
In a statement issued on June 25, the party’s Transport Sector Committee said it supports investments aimed at revitalising Ghana’s railway sector but questioned the level of transparency surrounding the purchase.
The NPP called on the government to disclose details including the age, condition, acquisition cost and expected lifespan of the two refurbished locomotives and the 20 freight wagons to enable the public to determine whether the procurement offers value for money.
Although Mr. Nikpe did not address the specific issues raised by the opposition, he assured that the Ministry’s forthcoming statement would provide the necessary clarification.
The Minister also acknowledged the impact of the recent floods that claimed lives and displaced thousands of residents, saying the government remains focused on supporting affected communities while continuing to address other national priorities.
“The country has just experienced a kind of flooding that has devastated a lot of us, and we are yet to see how to clean up and mourn with our Ghanaian compatriots who have lost their lives,” he said.
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