Transport Evolution World recently organised the second episode of its new online series, “Coffee With the CEO”, this time exploring the rail industry in Ghana.

The event, which took place on July 14th, was attended by professionals from over twenty countries. It featured an extensive interview with the Chief Executive of Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Mr. Richard Dombo Diedong and the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Mr. R. Yofi Grant, in collaboration with dmg events and with support from Borderless Alliance.

The 90-minute online interview, which was moderated by the National President of Borderless Alliance for Ghana, Ziad Hamoui, also featured a presentation by Mr. Dombo, who summarised the state of the rail industry over the past few years, the effect of Covid-19 on current developments and the road ahead. Mr. Grant also contributed valuable insight into the financing and investment opportunities that present themselves for the development of rail, as well as the vast opportunities that could be unlocked with the launching of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

During the active Q&A session, Mr. Dombo intimated that “There will be a stakeholders forum to launch the revised master plan for rail development in the country, tentatively scheduled for October, and all relevant and interested stakeholders and partners will be invited to attend, once the logistics details are finalised”.

Both leaders demonstrated their quality and skills, as they rose up to the challenges and questions were pouring in from the moderator and participations. They also agreed on the crucial role that the rail industry could play in the economic development of Ghana, and indeed the African continent itself, as well as its importance in positioning the country as a real regional economic hub that could serve the landlocked countries and the West African region.

A video replay of the session will be made available soon by organisers, while any remaining unanswered question will be sent later, along with copy of the PowerPoint presentation.

Ziad Hamoui
National President – Ghana
Borderless Alliance