Ghana Railway Company faces imminent shutdown amidst unresolved financial challenges
The Railway Workers Union of Ghana has expressed concerns over the lack of commitment from the government to address the financial challenges faced by the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL). The union warns that without immediate capital injection, the company could face shutdown, which would adversely affect its approximately 1000-strong workforce and their dependents.
The union highlights several financial issues plaguing the state-owned company, including unpaid wages for workers for up to four months, overdue social security contributions since October 2022, and pending tier two pension payments since May 2022. Deductions or contributions to credit unions for various purposes have also gone unpaid since 2021.
The General Secretary of the Railway Workers Union of Ghana, Godwill Ntarmah, expressed disappointment in the government’s lack of commitment to revitalize the company and address its financial woes. The union is particularly concerned about the fate of the GRCL retrenched staff from 2006, urging the government to address their situation.
Ntarmah highlighted the challenges faced by GRCL in operating on the existing narrow-gauge rail line, which is in poor condition, along with outdated rolling stock that has led to frequent derailments. These challenges have led to severe financial constraints, classifying the company as a highly indebted entity.
The union disputes the notion that the company, as a limited liability entity, should solely rely on self-generated funds for sustenance. They argue that it’s unrealistic for the company to generate enough revenue to support itself.
Efforts by the union’s leadership to engage President Nana Akufo-Addo have been unsuccessful, leading them to seek attention through press conferences and public appeals. The union hopes to gain the President’s attention and support to prevent the total collapse of GRCL.
