Agyefi Kwame opts out of Railways committee

Takoradi, April 11, GNA- Awulae Agyefi Kwame, II, Omanhene of Nsein Traditional Area and a board member of the Ghana Railway Company (GRC) limited investigative committee into the strike action of the GRC workers, has opted to step down as a member of the committee. This was after the workers GRC have expressed their dissatisfaction at the inclusion of Awulae Agyefi Kwame, II, on the committee. The workers protested when the committee visited the headquarters of the GRC April 9.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on Friday, Awulae Agyefi Kwame, II at Nsein, said his decision was based on concerns raised by workers of the GRC, that as a board member he should not be on the investigative committee, since its findings could be prejudiced. He said in the interests of the country and for transparency into the railway affairs he has decided to step down.

Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Ekumfi, Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways, on April 7, inaugurated a seven member committee to investigate allegations and grievances of railway workers. Members of the committee are Mr. Albert Obbin, Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni-Valley, as the chairman, Ms. Cecilia Erzuah, Secretary, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, board member, Charles Baba Dua of the Trades Union Congress, J. K. Hackman, GRC and representative of the Attorney General's department, ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment. Soon after the inauguration, the workers raised their concern about the credibility of the committee and have since continued to agitate for the removal of the board member.

Awulae Kwame explained that his nomination as a member of the committee was because he served on the human resources sub-committee of the GRC, but was ready to opt out in the interest of peace. He therefore appealed to the government, to replace him immediately to enable the committee to complete its mandate within the 21 day period. Awulae Kwame said he had written officially to inform Prof Ameyaw-Ekumfi and his Deputy, Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, about his decision. He prayed that a suitable replacement would be found to enable the committee to work effectively. Awulae Kwame appealed to the workers to exercise restrain to enable the committee to unravel all the allegations and grievances of GRC.