Yaw Boagyan
The Government of Ghana will settle all outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited by the end of April, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has announced.
The minister gave the assurance during a two-day inspection tour of the Western Rail Line, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to reviving the country’s railway sector.
According to Mr. Nikpe, the persistent delay in salary payments has been one of the major challenges affecting the rail industry, which has struggled with low revenue generation and financial constraints for years.
He said clearing the arrears is part of immediate measures to stabilise the sector and improve staff morale as government pushes ahead with broader railway reforms.
Mr. Nikpe added that long-term sustainability of the railway industry will depend on expanding rail connectivity to key economic centres, particularly mining communities in the Western Region.
He disclosed that plans are underway to link the Western Rail Line to major mining sites in order to increase cargo traffic and create stronger revenue streams for the sector.
The inspection tour was conducted together with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr. Frederick Appoh, to assess ongoing works and identify critical operational needs.
However, officials warned that illegal mining activities continue to pose a serious threat to railway infrastructure and lands reserved for rail development.
Dr. Appoh called for urgent action to protect the rail corridor and safeguard investments being made in the sector.
The delegation also visited RMS at Eshiem, a local company producing railway sleepers that would otherwise be imported, in a move aimed at promoting local content in railway infrastructure development.
Government has prioritised rail transport as part of efforts to improve cargo movement, reduce road congestion and support industrial growth across Ghana.
Thywill Gaglo
