Prospects and Impediments of Railway Infrastructure Development in Ghana: Impact of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Technology

Abstract

There is limited understanding concerning the practicable challenges that could impede the developmental process of railway infrastructure projects, and the possible negative effect of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) technology in Ghana. Given that the majority of the population are unfamiliar with the newly planned railway system. Our research intends to contribute towards the development of human capital and elevating the standard of living through the assertion of productive policies to ensure rapid infrastructure development by highlighting not only the socio-economic impact, but the negative impact of the railway infrastructure in the society. Also, this study discusses the possible challenges that could hinder the railway infrastructure development process. This study employs face-to-face interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) interview sessions that assimilate 35 respondents. Data collected is transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. The findings reveal that corruption, unstable political discourse, lack of modern technology, and the impact of the Covid19 pandemic are among the critical challenges to hinder the progress and completion of the railway infrastructure development. By-laws should be designated ensuring that every uncompleted national project must be completed and not abandoned by the successive governments regardless of political differences. JEL Classifications: R4, O1, Q18, Q55, Q51