The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has assured employees of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) that the government has an action plan in place to revitalize and reposition the company.
Addressing the management and staff, who are currently grappling with operational challenges such as difficulties in managing the fleet and controlling routes, Nelson assured them that the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama is committed to resolving these issues, not only within GRCL but across the entire railway sector.
“What you need now is action. And action is on its way”
Nelson delivered this assurance during a meeting with the management and staff at the company’s head office in Takoradi, Western Region.
He emphasized that the government would introduce practical policies and programs through the “Big Push” infrastructure development framework to revamp the railway sector and enhance the company’s operations.
The Minister pointed out that revitalizing the country’s rail transport system would boost commercial activities in Sekondi-Takoradi and the broader Western Region, underscoring the government’s determination to make this happen.
However, Nelson also acknowledged that the railway sector would require significant investment, which will be addressed as part of the government’s “Big Push” agenda.
He further noted that employees of GRCL have long been subjected to empty promises and lip service from authorities, rather than receiving the genuine commitment needed to restore the company to its former strength.
The Minister acknowledged that the railway sector currently requires significant investment, which will be addressed under the government’s “big push” agenda.
He emphasized that workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) have long been subjected to empty promises and lip service from authorities, rather than seeing real commitment to the company’s revival.
Instead of focusing on the challenges the company faces, he stated, the key now is the determination to reposition the company and immediately resume operations.
He reassured the workers of President John Dramani Mahama’s strong commitment to rebuilding the country’s rail sector, with the company serving as its foundation.
The Minister stressed that the Ghana Railway Company Limited had historically played a vital role in the country’s transport sector, and under no circumstances should the government allow the company to come to a standstill.
Ing. Dr. Michael Adjei Anyetei, Managing Director of the Ghana Railway Company Limited, who has been with the company for 11 years in Takoradi, acknowledged that the Minister is well-informed about the challenges. He added that there was no need to reiterate what was already well understood, but he still pointed out the critical issues currently facing the railway sector, which are deeply important to the workers.
Founded in 1896, the company had operated smoothly until recent years when it lost much of its business to road transport competitors. He explained that the railway operations from Awaso to Takoradi halted due to deteriorating infrastructure along these routes. The condition of the tracks became so poor that they were forced to stop using them.
“We couldn’t continue to be running at a lost.
“You will bear with me, that in the rail sector, anything you do, is capital intensive”
Additionally, the Minister revealed that the workers have not been paid their salaries for over six months, with the government yet to settle the outstanding arrears.
He noted that these overdue salaries should have been paid long ago to prevent financial strain on the workers.
He urged Minister Joseph Nelson to do everything possible to ensure that the salary arrears are resolved and no longer remain an issue.
“If the Railway shines, is on you, if the railway fails, which I don’t wish, is on you” he told the Minister.
The Managing Director and his team took the Minister’s visit as an opportunity to request the payment of the remaining outstanding salaries.
“I beg you, I beg you in the name of God, please follow up for us,” the MD appealed to the Minister, speaking with deep urgency.
In response, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson acknowledged the significant role the company once played as the heart of the country and the Western Region. He noted, however, that poor management had left the sector in a state of disarray.
He reminisced fondly about his childhood in the Ahanta West Municipality, recalling how he would travel by rail with his father. Despite this, he pointed out that the sector’s challenges had led to the collapse of the company’s operations after years of stagnation.
Minister Nelson assured that President Mahama would address the sector’s difficulties with renewed commitment, aiming to restore the company’s potential and make it economically viable again.
Ing. Dr. Michael Adjei Anyetei had updated the Minister on the company’s current condition, explaining that the company’s productivity had been overtaken by road transport competitors.
In an effort to revive operations, the Managing Director revealed that the company has developed an agreement plan to collaborate closely with Ghana Manganese Company, with the hope that this partnership will lead to improved revenue generation and better welfare for the workers.
He emphasized that the new agreement with Ghana Manganese Company must be supported by the government to ensure the sustainability of Ghana Railway Company Limited and to strengthen rail operations across the country.
Ing. Dr. Michael Adjei Anyetei also mentioned that he had met with the Minister for Transport, who assured him that the salary arrears for the workers would be settled in due course. He expressed that this assurance from the Minister was encouraging.
He further noted that the ongoing issue of unpaid salaries continues to affect the company’s operations, stressing the need to follow proper procedures while reassuring the workers.
In response to the Managing Director’s appeal on behalf of the workers, Joseph Nelson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing the railway sector.
“Railway will be brought back to its feet,” he confidently stated.
He assured both management and staff of his dedication to following up on the issues raised by the Managing Director, saying, “I am going to follow up on these issues.”
“I came here primarily to understand firsthand some of the issues you’re facing. It’s good to have this meeting,” Joseph Nelson said. “I am committed to helping you improve everything that will better your situation.”
He assured the company that he would take immediate steps to address the concerns raised.
“All these challenges will become a thing of the past, and we will see significant improvement,” he promised.
“You have remained dedicated to doing what’s expected of you. Keep staying on course, and we will critically assess these issues,” he added. “Our commitment is to ensure that transportation, in general, experiences significant progress.”
During his visit to the Ghana Railway Company Limited office, Joseph Nelson emphasized that his main goal was to listen to the railway workers, learn about the issues they face, and find ways to address the challenges affecting the company.
He reaffirmed that President John Mahama is fully committed to revitalizing the railway sector with renewed focus and energy.
He also expressed his intent to personally push forward the agreement between Ghana Railway Company Limited and Ghana Manganese Company Limited to ensure it benefits both parties.
