The Railway Workers Union of Ghana has warned of a nationwide industrial strike if the government and Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) fail to clear 11 months of unpaid salaries by the end of May 2026. This potential action stems from outstanding payments from June 2025 to April 2026, creating severe economic hardship for railway workers.
This ultimatum follows earlier assurances from the government, made at a meeting in Kojokrom on April 24, 2026, that all salary arrears would be settled by May 31, 2026. The union's General Secretary, Benjamin Essuman, described the prolonged delays as unacceptable, pushing workers into a difficult financial situation. Previous payments had covered arrears only between October 2024 and May 2025.
This dispute highlights broader issues within Ghana's state-owned enterprises and public sector wage management. The government faces persistent challenges in meeting financial obligations, impacting worker morale and productivity. The potential strike could further disrupt essential services and exert pressure on public finances, a recurring theme in Ghana's economic landscape.
Benjamin Essuman stated, "The prolonged delays have pushed workers into severe economic hardship." He added that the government's commitment at the Kojokrom meeting forms the basis of this final warning. The union is prepared to escalate the matter to the National Labour Commission if the deadline is not met.
A strike by railway workers would immediately halt rail transport across the country, affecting the movement of goods and people. This disruption would place additional strain on Ghana's road networks, already struggling with congestion and maintenance issues. Decision-makers must now address the salary arrears to prevent widespread industrial action and its negative economic consequences.
Beyond the salary arrears, the union has also raised concerns about the railway company's future workforce. Discussions, which started in October 2025, suggest a reduction in staff from 839 to between 160 and 200 workers. The lack of official communication regarding these proposed job cuts causes deep anxiety among employees.
The union urges the Ministry of Transport and Parliament’s Select Committee on Transport to provide clear policy direction on railway employment by June 2026. It also advocates for renewed government investment in the Western Railway Line. Neglect of the railway system has reduced national transport efficiency and increased pressure on roads.
A functional railway system would reduce traffic congestion, lower road maintenance costs, and boost economic productivity. The union further called for intervention in disputes between the Ghana Railway Development Authority and the Ghana Railway Company Limited. Internal conflicts disrupt daily operations and overall sector efficiency.
The union also demanded investigations into alleged irregular financial arrangements involving private companies within the railway system. Their statement highlighted concerns about the removal of railway tracks at Ofanko, Achimota, and Nsawam. It also questioned reported auction sales along the Sekondi–Takoradi–Tarkwa corridor.
Additionally, the union sought independent scrutiny regarding the procurement of wooden sleepers and ballast valued at GHS 40 million. The Transport Minister has been specifically urged to provide full disclosure and commission an independent investigation into all these allegations. The presidency has also been appealed to intervene directly to restore confidence in the sector.