The Ghana Railway Workers Union has commended the government for clearing 20 months of outstanding salary arrears owed to staff of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL).
The payments, covering the period from October 2024 to May 2026, have brought long-awaited relief to affected workers and their families following a prolonged period of severe financial hardship.
Addressing a press conference convened to officially convey the union’s gratitude, General Secretary of the Ghana Railway Workers Union, Mr Benjamin Essuman, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, and the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for intervening to settle the debt.
“The payment of these arrears is more than just a financial transaction; it is a restoration of hope, dignity, and relief to workers who have endured immensely difficult times.” — Benjamin Essuman, General Secretary, Ghana Railway Workers Union
Mr Essuman further appealed to the government to conclude ongoing negotiations regarding severance benefits for all affected railway workers to ensure prompt disbursement. He also urged authorities to accelerate work on the additional 20-kilometre section of the Takoradi-Nsuta rail line for commissioning before the end of 2027.
Adding his voice to the commendations, National Union Chairman Mr Stephen Bonney noted that while staff anticipated a payout, the total clearance of the arrears came as a welcome surprise.
“Although we were expecting the funds, we did not anticipate full payment at once. The government has truly demonstrated that it is a listening administration.” — Stephen Bonney, Chairman, Ghana Railway Workers Union
Vice Chairman of the Union, Mr George Bosomtwi Sam, highlighted the timely nature of the intervention, noting that the disbursement directly coincided with the payment of school fees for workers’ dependents. He similarly commended the government for lifting the financial burden off the workforce.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
