Tema–Mpakadan train hit by another stone attack

The Tema–Mpakadan train service has suffered yet another stone attack, its fourth since October 1, 2025, after the windscreen of one of its Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) was struck by an unidentified assailant on Monday, November 10.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Frederick Appoh, the incident occurred during regular service hours, with the attackers fleeing the scene before security personnel arrived.

Mr Appoh confirmed that replacement parts for the damaged section had already been procured and that repair works were expected to be completed by Wednesday.

He said management remained steadfast despite recurring acts of vandalism.

“We remain resolute and undeterred. Our mission to deliver safe and reliable rail transport remains unchanged. The journey may be challenging, but we will prevail with the support of Ghanaians,” he stated.

In response to the repeated incidents, the GRDA has strengthened coordination with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, the Ghana Police Service, and National Security to clear encroachers along the railway’s right of way and enhance safety.

Mr Appoh disclosed that the Authority plans to boost security patrols along the route and ultimately fence the entire line as funding allows.

He appealed to the public to report suspicious activities and support efforts to protect the railway as part of Ghana’s broader Railway Reset Agenda aimed at job creation and improved connectivity.

Since the Tema–Mpakadan line began operations in October, the service has faced multiple acts of sabotage. On October 20, a minor was coerced into throwing stones at a moving train, cracking its windshield.

The following day, another attempt to derail the train involved placing a stone on the tracks. Police later released the minor, while his father, accused of instigating the act, remains at large.

On the same day as the latest attack, GRDA’s Director of Operations, K. Busia, narrowly escaped a robbery on the Tema–Spintex Road.

His vehicle was damaged, but he was rescued by bystanders who subdued the armed assailants.

Mr Appoh said the suspects are in police custody at the Tema Main Harbour Police Station, adding that National Security and the Police CID have launched joint investigations into both the attack and the broader security challenges facing the railway sector.