Gov’t won’t bear the cost of repairs for faulty train – Peter Amewu

Ghana’s Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has clarified the controversy concerning who will bear the cost of repairs for the country’s newly acquired train, which was involved in an accident on April 18.

According to Mr. Amewu, the government of Ghana will not bear any cost component in fixing the train due to a contract agreement between Ghana and the supplier.

He went on to explain that the train, which had its front part damaged, had been sent to Tema for maintenance work to be done.

“The train is brought back to the maintenance yard in Tema, the Poland engineers have assessed the extent of damage, and plans are far advanced to fix the train. Technically, the train is very sound, the electronic and mechanical system with special regard to the engine is untouched,” he told Joy News.

“As at the time of the incident, we have not taken ownership of the train which means that the supplier is still responsible for the train. We get ownership when the government make a full payment but we haven’t taken full control as owners of the train.

He added that “The contract agreement specification regarding and vis-a-vis leading to the transfer of ownership states categorically that until full payment is made and the test run is conducted and certified by a third-party ad handed over to the ministry.”

He also assured that within three weeks, repair works on the train should be completed.

Background

The incident occurred after the train during a test run, collided with a stationary vehicle, which was stationed across the newly constructed railway line.

Following the incident, the Ghana Police Service swiftly arrested the driver of the truck, Abel Dzidotor, who was subsequently handed a six-month prison term after pleading guilty to three out of four charges.

He was charged with careless and inconsiderate driving and he was sentenced to 100 penalty units in default and served 20 months in jail.

On Count Two, the driver was charged with unauthorized stopping which he was sentenced to 20 penalty units in default and served 5 months imprisonment while on Count 3 charge of causing unlawful damage; six months imprisonment with hard labour.

Four more persons have also been arrested and remanded in connection with the Thursday incident.