Limping Railway: Cause of weak local economy

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson has expressed deep concerns about the virtual collapse of Ghana's railway sector.

He noted that the local economy of Sekondi Takoradi has been at the receiving end of distraction caused by the poor performance of the sector.

He explained that following the downward trajectory performance of the rail sector overtime, many affiliated, ancillary and value chain activities continue to suffer in Western Region

Consequently, he said reviving the railway sector once more, would definitely opens up the local economy of Sekondi Takoradi and by extension Western Region and create many more jobs. "Railway itself is almost dead" he remarked

Despite the current state of the railways, Joseph Nelson said he is optimistic that the Mahama government would work assiduously with all relevant stakeholders to reposition it.

The rail transport sector, he underscored beefs up transport activities in the country and for many years supported the local economy to grow.

"I pray that the rail way redevelopment will soon take off" he said optimistically

According to the Minister, the redevelopment of railways has become necessary following these negative impacts identified which virtually collapsed other industries.

All put together has had an unqualified impact affecting local communities in the Western Region

Addressing management and staff of School of Railway and infrastructure of University of Mines and Technology at Essikado Ketan, as part of his familiarization tour being carried out to obtain first hand information about their activities and operations, the Minister said the University currently offers an important role in shaping quality human resource development in the area of Technology.

"This is a primary and important responsibility that you have in opening up this area for development of the local economy and beyond, through this university, and it is very commendable"

He assured the university of his unwavering commitment to support an expansion request made by the management of the school

He lauded strives made by the management to sustain the academic community despite nascent challenges "Thank you for a good job done so far"

He said once briefed

"So that RCC will be better informed" about the current state of the University, the proactive steps and approach required to solving the problems faced by the school, would have been identified "Joseph Nelson said "I am happy to note the good things you are doing here"

For him, "Everything at the center of human progress" would always capture his attention.

Consequently, he said the training and experience being passed on to the students would always capture his attention. "This will always attract my attention and focus, " he said

The Minister explained that once the University is determined to train many more hands to embrace technology as the way forward to unlocking industrial challenges, obviously "The needed progress that you envisage, will surely come to pass"

To this end, he said he would work closely with the University to address the issues identified as challenging

"Those things that need to be done to enhance your ability would be supported"

Joseph Nelson said in recognition of programmes and projects being carried out to improve performance of the University, he would urge the management to partner government to help them improve and expand the training of the teaming youth of Ghana for them to continue to gain professional development for the job market

"You have me as your number one supporter. Don't hesitate to come, my doors are opened" he said

He said " This is a critical service you offer to Western Region, and therefore it would be very necessary to cooperate with stakeholders to tackle these challenges"

The Railway campus at Sekondi intends to become a university college, with specialised courses

On his part, Professor Yakubu Issaka, Dean, School of Railway and Infrastructure Development of University of Mines and Technology, said the management of the University want to produce concrete sleepers for the railways sector

Aside that, he said the University intends to produce a high breed trains to serve the Ghanaian market

A document, he revealed is currently being put together in that regard, and would later be presented to the Minister

He called on government to establish equipment and instrumentation workshop at the University required to make teaching and learning very conducive.