No rail services from July 21 as workers protest

Railway workers have served notice that from Monday, July 21, 2014 services on the Accra-Nsawam and Accra-Tema railroad will be grounded as they begin a nationwide demonstration over what they describe as “worsening” working conditions.

They told journalists on Friday, July 11 that they can no longer bear the “suffering”.

According to them, a letter dated May 22, 2014 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Transport to address their grievances has not been responded to, a situation they consider a slight.

“Railway workers do not own the Ghana Railway Company Limited and, therefore, cannot continue to bear the suffering any longer,” said Godwin Ntaamah, the General Secretary of the Railway Workers Union.

He explained that they first made their grievance known to President John Dramani Mahama during this year’s May Day celebrations but the Transport Ministry appears to have trifled with their concerns.

“In the light of the above, it is regrettable that workers have no option than to withdraw services in the running of the two passenger trains from Accra to Nsawam and Accra to Tema from Monday, July 21, 2014 until the salary review is finalized.”

Mr Ntaamah also revealed the danger that the lives of passengers of the two trains are exposed to as a result of negligence on the part of authorities.

“The tracks are in very bad state in that the wooden slippers and the balance needed for a formidable track are not available.

“Trackmen have to walk miles upon miles to inspect the lines and identify areas where there are faults to remedy because there are no rail guards to undertake those assignments.”