An NPP activist on X has fumed following an allegation by the minority in parliament alleging that the Mahama government has acquired a 1970s-era British train for the Ghana Railway Authority.
According to the netizen, Ghana has really regressed, claiming that under the Akufo-Addo government, a diesel-powered train was acquired, but under the NDC, the government has purchased a charcoal-powered train.
In a post on X, the netizen wrote, “Ghana has really retrogressed
From a diesel-powered train under NPP to a charcoal-powered train?? Herr”.
Some X user reacting to his post noted, “Your diesel train couldn’t move more than 1 kilometre before it broke down forever. Show us which rail lines your so-called Akufo-Addo strains ply in this country”.
One X user added, “One thing that’s making this NPP party unattractive is the way you guys pick up any issue without any valid context but trying to scandalise it as if Ghanaians are so dumb to the extent that when they see scandal they won’t know oh bro you must do better”.
A netizen added, “You are not only ignorant, but you are also dumb.
hear locomotive, so you ignorantly assume that they are run on coal……you don’t know that there are also diesel locomotive trains.
In any case, that passenger diesel train your govt bought, what impact has it had on the economy??”.
His comments follow the NPP Minority in parliament, which has accused the John Mahama government of acquiring a 1970s-era British train for the Ghana Railway Authority.
According to the NPP Minority, the government has acquired two refurbished diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons.
The NPP minority called for full disclosure on their age, condition, cost and long-term value to Ghana’s railway sector.
In a statement issued by its Transport Sector Committee on June 25, the NPP minority detailed that information available to them indicates that the locomotives are refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel-electric locomotives manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 1983 and previously operated by Colas Rail.
They argued that transparency was essential to determine whether the locomotives represented the most sustainable and cost-effective investment, adding that they welcomed investments aimed at revitalising rail transport.
They noted that the government had failed to provide critical information needed for an objective assessment of the acquisition.
Parts of the statement issued by its Transport Sector Committee read, “Any investment aimed at reviving rail transport, improving freight mobility, and reducing pressure on the nation’s road network is a step in the right direction and deserves commendation”.
“While refurbished locomotives can still provide useful service life when properly maintained, Ghanaians deserve full transparency regarding the age, operational history, refurbishment scope, expected remaining service life, and total lifecycle costs associated with these assets,” the statement said.
The NPP minority noted that although the British Rail Class 56 was designed for heavy freight haulage and had earned a reputation as a powerful locomotive, the equipment was built more than four decades ago.
They argued that older locomotives generally require more intensive maintenance and incur higher operating costs than modern freight locomotives.
Their statement further added, “The critical question is therefore not simply whether locomotives have arrived, but whether they represent the most sustainable and cost-effective solution for Ghana’s railway sector over the long term”.
“Government must therefore explain what long-term spare parts arrangements have been secured, whether a strategic stock of critical components has been acquired, what technical support agreements exist with the refurbishment contractor or specialist maintenance providers, and what training programme has been established to develop local maintenance capacity”.
“The acquisition of refurbished Margaret Thatcher-era locomotives should not be presented merely as a symbolic achievement. Ghanaians deserve full disclosure regarding the age, cost and condition of the equipment, maintenance arrangements, spare parts availability and the government’s broader railway strategy,” it said.
The development follows, the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), which has taken delivery of two locomotives and 20 freight wagons for container and cargo operations.
See the post below:
Ghana has really retrogressed 😢😢
— Gen. Buhari (@Gen_Buhari_) June 28, 2026
From a Diesel powered Train under NPP to a charcoal powered train?? Herr pic.twitter.com/s7HPGsTy2s
