President John Dramani Mahama has announced a plan to transform the Volta Region into a major industrial hub through an integrated rail and lake transport network linking Dawa, Buipe, and Keta across three regions.

A central feature of this logistics strategy is extending the Tema–Akosombo railway line through the Dawa Industrial Area in the Greater Accra Region to Keta, to optimise cargo movement to and from the proposed Keta Port in the Volta Region. According to the President, this Eastern Corridor Railway is a vital component of the Ghana Railway Master Plan, which seeks to shift the movement of heavy cargo from roads to rail.

Speaking at a #ResettingGhana town hall meeting in Ho during the second day of his two-day tour of the Volta Region, President Mahama said the rail expansion will be integrated with a comprehensive lake transport system.

“Heavy trucks place enormous pressure on our roads, and no matter how well a road is constructed, excessive axle loads will shorten its lifespan,” he said. “By moving more freight onto the railway network, we will preserve our roads, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the efficiency of transportation across the country.”

He explained that the government will build on the Tema–Akosombo rail line, previously financed by the Indian Exim Bank during his earlier term, to strengthen the developed port at Mpakadan and a new private port at Asikuma. Together, these facilities will use barges and rail to link Volta Lake communities directly to Buipe in the north.

To complement this transport network, President Mahama also announced that construction on the Volivo Bridge project across the Volta Lake will commence before the end of the year.

He disclosed that Japan is advancing fresh loan approvals and additional financing to revive the stalled project, which, upon completion, will be one of the longest bridges in Ghana’s history.

The bridge, a component of the government’s $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure agenda, will feature an asphalted dual carriageway, pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, a rest stop, and tolling facilities.

With engineering designs for the Keta Port now complete, the President said government is currently evaluating proposals from over 20 strategic investors to unlock the full economic potential of the Eastern Economic Corridor.

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