Some railway workers across the country have returned to the Ministry of Transport, picketing once again as they demand immediate payment of their long-overdue salaries.
This comes just a week after assurances were given that their concerns would be addressed, but the workers say there has been no communication or progress since then.
Addressing the media, the General Secretary for the Ghana Railway Workers Union, Benjamin Essuman explained that authorities have turned a blind sight to their issues.
According to him, the GHS20.6 million raised from the sale of obsolete railway materials is available to settle part of the arrears, yet no disbursement has been made as earlier promised.
He noted that if by 28th of March and they have not heard anything, they will take matters into their own hands.
“What we are saying is that by the 31st, we need our money. It is not logical to all of us that how can the President give approval for the Ministry of Finance, for the Minister per se, to form a committee to sell our absolute items. And still now, from December, we have not been paid.”
He maintains that calls that they are not working is false. He rather attributes the non-vibrance of the sector to political interference and absence of clear policies.
“We are working. We are working. In Tema Mpakadan, the same railway workers are moving the trains. It’s not our fault. The workers are ready to work. It’s up to the government and the politicians to boost and resource the sector.”
The group has had no authorities to address their concerns this time around unlike last week when they were addressed by the Chief Director for the Ministry of Transport, William Kartey. Until then, they hope their issues will be resolved in time.
