The Ghanaian government has signed an MoU with a South African consortium that is hoped will lead to the construction of an elevated light rail system through a US$2.6 billion deal.

As reported by the Mail & Guardian, the deal was signed at the Africa Investment Forum in Sandton, South Africa, with the aim of providing low-cost transport to citizens of Ghana and easing congestion.

Investment holding platform Africa Investor is partnering with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to develop the AI Skytrain, which will use air propulsion technology to drive lightweight, high passenger volume vehicles. The former will conduct feasibility studies that are expected to take up to nine months to complete, after which financing of the project will be finalised, according to GIIF chief executive Solomon Asamoah. It is hoped construction will commence in 2020.

Ghana Railways Development Minister Joe Ghartey has noted that another benefit of the project will be job creation.

20 November 2018
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