For several weeks, social media in Ghana has been replete with pictures and videos of the new trains that were designed and manufactured in Holland for use in Ghana.
The new machines recently arrived at the port, and have been assembled.
The first real incline of the capacity of the new trains, however, was when a dashcam video of one appeared when the vehicle was involved in an accident.
At the time of the accident, the new train was travelling at an astonishing 120 kilometers an hour, virtually soundlessly and very smoothly.
Surely, this is a different experience from trains, as Ghanaians have known it since antiquity.
What impresses us, is the capacity of these new trains. At the speed of 120 kilometers an hour, it could make a beeline from Accra to Tamale and be there in less than six hours. Travelling from Accra, it can be in Kumasi in two hours. Travelling on rails, without portholes, and at constant speed, it would be much more comfortable. Being a train means that people can get up and walk, which means it would be much more comfortable.
Trains also have great capacity for goods and baggage, which means that it would have a phenomenal impact on business.
From the above, we at the Daily Searchlight are of the belief that Ghana should very quickly move beyond the accident, to what can be done to bring this project into its own.
A good railway system would move the huge tons of cargo that makes Ghana’s roads such a nightmare, off our roads, which would make them safer for users.
A new railway system, powered by these trains, could truly be a game changer for the economy, and we believe, that all of us should contribute maximum support to make it real.
