Experts from ECOWAS Member States, regional organisations, and development partners convened in Accra, Ghana on May 9-10, 2024. The meeting was aimed at reviewing the railway component of the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan (RIMP) and ensuring harmonisation of railway infrastructure development within the ECOWAS region.
The consultative gathering also provided a platform to discuss updates on the progress of various regional railway infrastructure projects. Additionally, it served as an opportunity to explore financing models that could fund the railway component of the RIMP.
Three speeches were delivered during the opening ceremony:
Mr Kebba Fye, Acting Director of the PPDU, representing the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, welcomed participants and outlined the broader context of the railway sector in the ECOWAS region. He expressed his gratitude to all partners involved in facilitating this crucial consultative meeting.
Vice-President in charge of Operations at EBID, Mr Olagunju M. O. Ashimolowo stressed upon the significance of railway transport and high-speed trains. He urged ECOWAS Member States to draw inspiration from European examples while emphasizing potential job creation through railway development. He reminded attendees that this sub-sector is vital for realizing "ECOWAS of the Peoples".
Representing His Excellency Nana AKUFO-ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr John-Peter Amewu, Minister for Railways Development and Member of Parliament welcomed all participants to Ghana. He paid tribute to ECOWAS's role in providing high-quality regional infrastructure and highlighted Ghana’s efforts towards developing its railway sector. Declaring the meeting open, he encouraged all participants to scrutinize presented issues and make relevant recommendations for advancing railway infrastructure within the ECOWAS region.
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