Western Corridor Railway a ‘National Economic Imperative’ – Chamber of Mines Calls for SPV to Secure Funding

The Ghana Chamber of Mines is pushing for the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to secure financing for the Western Corridor railway, describing the project as a “national economic imperative” critical to Ghana’s mining future and broader economic transformation.

During a visit to the Ghana Manganese Company by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, Chamber COO Ahmed Nantogmah stressed that a reliable rail network is essential to reduce pressure on road infrastructure, enhance bulk mineral haulage, and boost Ghana’s competitiveness.

“The development of the Western Corridor railway is not just a mining-sector priority; it is a national economic imperative. This is why we are advocating the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle to secure and manage funding for the project.” Nantogmah said.

The Chamber also pressed for government backing to establish a manganese refinery in Ghana, arguing it would keep more value in-country, drive industrialisation, and create skilled jobs.

“A refinery here in Ghana will transform the manganese value chain. Instead of exporting raw ore, we would be producing higher-value products locally,” Nantogmah explained.

The discussions with Parliament’s Committee centred on three pressing issues, building the Western Corridor railway, developing a local manganese refinery, and intensifying the fight against illegal mining.

Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Sanja Nanja, lauded the Chamber’s proposals and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to policies that tie mining more closely to national development.

“We appreciate the concerns raised by the Chamber of Mines and Ghana Manganese Company. As a Committee, we are committed to ensuring mining contributes not only to government revenue but also to industrialisation, job creation, and the fight against illegal mining,” he said.

Stakeholders agree that the collaboration between government, industry, and communities will be decisive in realising long-term sustainability in the sector.

Western Corridor Railway a ‘National Economic Imperative’ – Chamber of Mines Calls for SPV to Secure Funding

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