Chamber of Mines Calls for Special Purpose Vehicle to Fund Western Corridor Railway Development
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to mobilize funding for the development of the Western Corridor railway line, a critical infrastructure project that promises to transform the mining industry and deliver significant benefits to the wider Ghanaian economy.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Chamber, Mr. Ahmed Nantogmah made the call during a courtesy visit to Ghana Manganese Company by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources. He underscored the urgent need for dedicated funding arrangements to revitalize the railway network that serves the western enclave, where key mineral operations, including those of the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC), are located.
“The development of the Western Corridor railway is not just a mining-sector priority; it is a national economic imperative,” the COO said. “A reliable railway system will improve bulk mineral haulage, reduce pressure on our road networks, and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global minerals market. This is why we are advocating the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle to secure and manage funding for the project.”
In addition to the railway project, Mr. Nantogmah highlighted the need for government support to establish a manganese refinery in Ghana. He explained that such a facility would allow the country to retain greater value from its mineral resources, boost industrialization, and generate skilled employment opportunities.
“A refinery here in Ghana will transform the manganese value chain,” he stated. “Instead of exporting raw ore, we would be producing higher-value products locally, which means more jobs, more revenue, and greater resilience for our economy.”
The discussions between the Chamber, Ghana Manganese Company and the Committee focused on three priority issues: the establishment of a manganese refinery in Ghana, the development of the Western Corridor railway system and strategies to combat illegal mining (galamsey).
The Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sanja Nanja commended the Chamber for its proactive engagement and reiterated Parliament’s commitment to advancing policies that support sustainable mining and national development.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by the Chamber of Mines and Ghana Manganese Company, particularly regarding infrastructure and value addition in the minerals sector,” the Chairperson said. “As a Committee, we are committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that mining contributes not only to government revenue but also to the broader aspirations of industrialization, job creation, and the fight against illegal mining.”
He further assured that the Committee would explore avenues to support initiatives aimed at deepening collaboration between government, industry, and communities for the long-term sustainability of the sector.
