Following a recent accident on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line, former President John Mahama has voiced grave concerns regarding the safety procedures for railways.
After colliding with a Hyundai truck that had been abandoned on the tracks, the incident that took place during a test run involved a brand-new Polish train. The truck driver, Abel Dzidoto, was arrested and sentenced to six months in prison by the Juapong Circuit Court following the accident on April 18, 2024.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) posted a brief response to the development on X, in which he questioned the sufficiency of the pre-operational checks and sought clarification on the procedures that were followed prior to the test ride. Mahama emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the apparent negligence in railway safety procedures.
Without a track inspection, how can a new railway line be used for a test run? Before the test run, how long had the vehicle been on the track? Assuming I were President, I'll pose a few serious inquiries," he expressed.
The remarks made by the previous president have sparked a discussion regarding the significance of rigorous safety inspections and the requirement for accountability in the management of the nation's railway systems.
