The General Secretary of the Railway Workers Union of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Benjamin Essuman, has accused the ruling government of neglecting its members, saying they have gone unpaid for over two years.
According to him, despite several engagements with the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nukpe, on how and when the arrears would be settled, no payments have been made.
He explained that the government had proposed selling some railway assets, described as “scrap,” to raise funds to settle the debt. However, although the items have reportedly been sold, the workers are yet to receive their salaries.
Mr. Essuman urged Ghanaians not to view their demonstration as politically motivated, stressing that it is a legitimate effort to demand their rights.
“You sat down with railway workers and promised action, but till date nothing has been done. How can you treat us this way and expect us to be silent?” he questioned.
He further stated that their actions are not political, but a response to what he described as neglect by both the Finance and Transport Ministers, despite processes at the Labour Commission being completed for payment.
The demonstrators marched to the Ministry of Transport, located opposite their office, only to find the premises closed and the minister absent.
“We came here and the place is locked. How can a public office not be open for business by 10:00 a.m.?” he asked.
Mr. Essuman warned that the government must urgently address their concerns, cautioning that continued delays could have serious economic and social consequences.
Meanwhile, some of the protesting workers shared the personal toll of the situation. One worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he has lost respect in his household because he cannot afford his daughter’s tertiary education despite her excellent academic performance.
He added that many workers are struggling to pay basic bills, with some experiencing electricity disconnections. He also revealed that a colleague reportedly died after being unable to afford a GH¢20 injection.
According to him, several others have lost their marriages due to their inability to provide for their families.
