Ghana Railways workers strike over seven months of unpaid salaries – Nsemkeka
Rail services between Accra and Tema have ground to a halt as workers of Ghana Railways Company Limited have begun an indefinite strike over seven months of unpaid salaries.
The industrial action, which commenced this morning, has caused major disruption to daily commuters and freight transport along the critical corridor.
The aggrieved workers say the prolonged delay in salary payments has made life unbearable, with many struggling to provide for their families and meet basic needs.
Speaking to JoyNews, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Railway Workers’ Union, Franklin Cobbinah, expressed frustration at what he described as the government’s persistent neglect of their welfare.
“We’ve waited for quite a long time, seven months, so when should we ask them to bring our salary? The time is now. That is why we gave them by the close of yesterday. We started demanding this salary somewhere last year. We were asked to wait because the previous government is no more there, so we are to wait to get a sector minister so we can continue from there,” he
stated.
Mr Cobbinah also disclosed that the sector is currently not generating revenue due to the suspension of bauxite transport from Awaso to the port.
“For now, I can tell you we are not making any money that brings money to the company. Formerly, we were running bauxite from Awaso to the port,” he explained.
The workers say they will remain off the job until all outstanding payments are made and sustainable measures are put in place to safeguard their livelihoods.