We’re Very Angry Over Salary Arrears – Railway Workers

The Railway Workers Union has expressed deep frustration over the government’s continued failure to pay outstanding salaries owed to staff of the Ghana Railway Company Limited, stating that they have no option than to go ahead with their intended strike action.

Speaking on behalf of the union on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday May 12, General Secretary Benjamin Essuman described the situation as “pathetic and unacceptable,” revealing that close to 960 workers across the country have gone without salaries for nearly eight months.

“It is not easy,” Essuman said. “When you talk of the 960, it is nationwide — Western Region, Ashanti Region, Greater Accra and other sites. It is very pathetic and unacceptable. Right after the election, the new minister came to office, and we engaged him as a union, but it’s been promise upon promise up till now.”

According to him, workers have shown remarkable patience but are now running out of options. Despite repeated assurances from the Ministry of Transport and reports that the President has directed the Ministry of Finance to release funds, the salaries remain unpaid.

“The salary itself — almost eight months now — from last year October till now. The minister will tell us, ‘We are going to pay this time.’ They promised us in April. We are in May,” he said.

Essuman warned that workers are being pushed to the brink, as many continue to report for duty daily under extreme financial strain, with some having to borrow money just to survive.

“Now they are saying the president has given the directive for our salary to be paid, but it’s not easy. Workers always come to work… some people have been borrowing. How long can we keep doing this?”

The Railway Workers Union has therefore served notice that if the situation is not addressed, they will lay down their tools beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2025 — a move expected to disrupt critical rail services, including the busy Tema–Accra passenger route.

Essuman stressed that workers feel abandoned by the state, especially since the Ghana Railway Company is 100% government-owned.

He called on all stakeholders to act swiftly, saying the anger among the workforce has reached a boiling point.

“There is nothing we can do again than to strike,” he said bluntly. “We are very angry.”

The union is calling for immediate payment of all salary arrears and a concrete plan to prevent such delays in the future.

 

 

 

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