The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to resolve grievances of railway workers who have not received salaries and other entitlements for a year.
The Railway Workers Union of Ghana (RWU) on September 16 threatened a nationwide strike and peaceful picketing on September 30 to protest the government’s failure to pay salaries and entitlements owed to workers for the past 12 months.
In a letter to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the Union said the neglect of workers’ welfare has plunged families into severe financial distress, hardship and led to broken homes.
The workers accuse the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) of not responding to calls for dialogue, despite appeals to the National Labour Commission, Parliament’s Transport Committee, and the Ministry of Labour.
However, speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe said engagement with the Finance Ministry is ongoing to address the situation.
“The Ghana Railway company’s operations have declined over the years due to infrastructure deterioration which has limited its capacity to generate enough revenue to cover its operational costs including staff salaries.
“We are engaging with the Ministry of Finance and stakeholders to develop a sustainable solution going forward,” he stated.
Mr. Nikpe stressed that the government is concerned about the welfare of the workers.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I must add that we feel for the workers and we have gotten close to resolving this issue and getting them their salary,”
Beyond matters of salaries, the Minister disclosed that the ministry is also collaborating with security agencies and the Lands Commission to remove encroachers from railway lines.
“We are launching a campaign to clear encroachers from the railway’s right of way and secure land titles for railway lands. This will allow contractors access to the sites needed to advance railway projects,” he explained.
