Former President John Dramani Mahama has raised critical questions about a new train that was involved in an accident during a test run, expressing shock and disbelief at the apparent lack of inspection before the test.
In a Facebook post, Mahama wrote “How can you conduct a test run on a new railway line without a track inspection? How long has the vehicle been on the track before the test run?”.
Mahama’s concerns come after a dash-cam video surfaced online showing the circumstances leading to the accident involving the train.
The train, which was recently procured from Poland by Ghana, was reportedly conducting a site acceptance test on the Tema-Mpakadan railway when it collided with a Hyundai truck abandoned on the railway line.
The driver of the track was arrested and has since been handed a 6-month jail term.
However, Mahama’s post has sparked a debate, with many agreeing with his concerns about safety and due process.
Mahama’s post has also drawn attention to the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
He stated, “If I were President, I’d be asking some serious questions,” Mr. Mahama said, implying he would demand answers from those responsible for the test run if were head of the government.
As the debate continues, many are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that safety protocols are followed and that the country’s rail network is developed with the necessary caution and expertise.