The Railway Workers Union in Ghana has downed tools after enduring seven months without pay—a crisis that has driven many into severe financial hardship and strained personal relationships.
The industrial action has brought train operations across the country to a grinding halt, mounting pressure on the Ghana Railway Company and the Ministry of Transport to urgently address the workers’ grievances.
During a demonstration in Accra, frustrated workers voiced the toll the salary delays have taken on their lives.
“We haven’t been paid for the past seven months and haven’t received any updates. As a result, we’ll stop working and make our concerns known to management,” said Union Chairman Acheampong Justice.
For Electrician Nii Lartey, the situation has had devastating personal consequences. “I’m in my eighth month without salary, which has caused my wife to leave me. I have nine children who need school fees, but I can’t afford to pay.”
Another worker lamented the daily reality of survival: “What will you do when you go home without money for food? We haven’t been paid since October of last year and we are debtors in our own land.”
Kwaku Mensah, a Principal Supply Officer nearing retirement, shared his disappointment: “I can’t even buy ice water with my own money. With only 6 to 7 months until retirement, I’ve worked over 41 years, yet my SSNIT savings amount to only 14,000 cedis.”
Grace Amihere from the Accounts Department added that the situation has left her socially isolated. She shared that she can no longer contribute to family funerals or events because she has no disposable income.
From the branch chairman of the union, he shared, “after 35 years, my pay is under 1,500 cedis. Despite being 960 employees, we haven’t been paid, making retirement here disappointing.”
As frustrations boil over, the spotlight now turns to government authorities to provide swift and meaningful intervention. Until then, train services may be non-operational for the time being.
