The temporary shutdown of the Accra–Achimota–Tema narrow gauge passenger line is set to cause widespread disruption for commuters and businesses, raising concerns over trade efficiency as Tema Port remains Ghana’s busiest import and export hub.
The Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) announced the closure after detecting structural damage to a pipe culvert at Sakumono, near Buena Vista Homes Estate.
The Company says the move is a precaution to prevent accidents, but no clear timeline has been given for when services will resume.
Commuters Back to Congested Roads
The railway has long been a lifeline for workers, students, and traders traveling daily between Tema and Accra. With services suspended, thousands will be pushed back onto the already gridlocked Tema Motorway, increasing travel times, fuel costs, and pressure on road infrastructure.
“I rely on the train to avoid motorway traffic. Now I’ll spend more hours on the road and more money on fuel,” lamented one commuter at the Achimota station.
Ripple Effects on Businesses and Trade
Beyond commuters, businesses are bracing for heavier impacts. Tema is not only an industrial hub but also the gateway for Ghana’s international trade, handling over 70% of the country’s imports and exports.
However, the suspension of the railway service could worsen road congestion around the port, slowing down cargo movement, raising logistics costs, and affecting delivery timelines for importers and exporters.
Supply chain operators may also shift more freight and people onto road networks which will hurt efficiency and increase the cost of doing business.
Small businesses around the stations, especially traders and vendors who depend on passenger traffic, are also expected to see a sharp decline in sales during the closure.
Infrastructure Concerns
While GRCL insists that passenger safety comes first, the lack of a clear reopening date has triggered concerns about the fragility of Ghana’s railway infrastructure.
Nonetheless, the repeated breakdowns and closures highlight the urgent need for investment in modern rail systems that can support the country’s trade ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In its statement, GRCL apologized for the inconvenience, promising that the maintenance works will improve safety and efficiency of services once completed.
In the meantime, businesses and commuters must brace for longer journeys, higher costs, and possible trade bottlenecks.
With Tema Port’s role as a vital economic gateway, the railway’s suspension underscores how critical transport infrastructure is to Ghana’s competitiveness and growth.
