Ghana railway workers demand completion of mineral line after salary arrears settlement

The Railway Workers Union of Ghana has commended the government following the settlement of 20 months of unpaid salary arrears for workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited. The payments, covering the period from October 2024 to May 2026, were finalized on August 24, 2026.

Despite the financial relief, the union is now calling for the completion of a critical 20-kilometre section of the Western Railway Line between Takoradi and Nsuta by the end of 2027. This mineral corridor is essential for transporting manganese and other minerals from the Western Region to the Takoradi Port.

The union argues that finishing this link will boost mineral exports, create jobs, and reduce the number of heavy-duty freight trucks on public roads, which contributes to road damage and fatalities. Additionally, the union has appealed for the conclusion of negotiations regarding severance packages for affected workers.