The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to resolve the concerns of railway workers who have gone nearly a year without receiving their salaries.
The Railway Workers Union of Ghana (RWU) recently threatened to ground operations nationwide and stage a mass protest on September 30, 2025, if the government fails to clear more than a year’s outstanding arrears.
In a letter to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the Union warned that the neglect of workers’ welfare has pushed families into severe social and economic hardship.
The workers accuse the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) of ignoring repeated 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 assured that steps are being taken to address the situation.
“The railway industry has suffered neglect, and President Mahama has shown commitment to revitalise it to meet demand,” he said. “The Ghana Railway Company’s operations have declined over the years, affecting its capacity to generate internal revenue to pay staff and cover operations. We have engaged with the Ministry of Finance to find a more sustainable solution going forward.”
Mr. Nikpe stressed that the government is prioritising the welfare of the workers. “We feel for the workers, and we are getting close to getting them their salaries,” he added.
Beyond the salary issue, 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.