Some residents in the Western Region are divided over the new government’s move to revamp the railway sector in the region.
Rail transport in that part of the country was vibrant in the early 90s but has subsequently grounded to a halt.
In the new government’s quest to revamp the sector, President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has nominated Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado Ketan, Joe Ghartey to solely focus on making this a reality.
However, some residents in the Western Region have expressed varying opinions on the NPPs move.
Speaking to one person who witnessed the glorious days on the sector said “It’s a good decision. It will ensure that the sector which is given to our own Joe Ghartey will see the revamping it deserves…if the sector had been given the needed attention by previous governments, the creation wouldn’t have been necessary. But for now, it is needed.”
Another resident said it’s a step in the right direction.
“I think it is right. I remember when the railways was booming, the port area was also vibrant for businesses. When it was abandoned, that business environment is not there. For me, it’s a step in the right direction,” he added.
Others however questioned the relevance of the ministry saying describing it as “needless.”
“It is needless, too many ministries for the transport sector. How many of the coaches are operational in the country to warrant a separate ministry? What is it going to transport? Goods or people? It will breed corruption when there are many ministries,” another person noted.
President of policy think tank IMANI Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, believes government’s realignment of some ministries which has led to the introduction of a Ministry for Railways Development is misplaced.
Mr. Cudjoe argued that, the engagement of prospective private sector beneficiaries of enhanced railway services would be a more prudent move towards developing infrastructure for railway development.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, the IMANI President opined: “It seems to me that the mantra of trying to be a leaner in government business seems to be faltering away. If we don’t take care we might hit probably 30 ministries.”
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(Via: CitiFM Online Ghana)
