Ghana Releases $11.6M to Pay Railway Workers After Protests

Railway workers in Ghana who went months without paychecks are about to see relief, thanks to government action following worker protests.

The Ghana Railway Development Authority announced that the Ministry of Finance has released 11.6 million Ghanaian cedis (roughly $735,000 USD) to pay railway workers who hadn't received salaries for up to 14 months. The funds will cover seven months of back pay for the 960 railway employees.

Dr. Frederick Appoh, CEO of the Railway Authority, discovered the massive salary gap when he took office. Official records showed 1,300 workers on the payroll, but a forensic audit revealed the actual number was 960, with unpaid salaries dating back to 2024.

The Railway Workers Union had protested the dire situation, pushing management and government officials to find solutions. In response, the Authority partnered with Ghana Railway Company Limited to get creative about funding.

They sold scrap materials and mobilized internal revenue, raising an impressive 21.5 million cedis. However, contractors came forward claiming they were owed 10 million cedis for unpaid consignments, reducing available funds for worker salaries.

The Ministry of Transport will now distribute the released funds to Ghana Railway Company Limited workers. Dr. Appoh confirmed the Authority is actively searching for additional revenue streams to pay the remaining arrears.

Why This Inspires

This story shows what happens when workers stand up for their rights and officials listen. The Railway Workers Union refused to accept broken promises, and their protests moved government wheels that had been stuck for over a year.

The collaborative approach matters too. Multiple agencies worked together, the Trades Union Congress, National Labour Commission, Ministry of Transport, and others, to create a sustainable solution rather than a quick fix.

Officials are now developing a long-term disbursement plan to prevent this crisis from happening again. That forward-thinking approach means future railway workers won't face the same uncertainty and financial hardship.

Nearly a thousand families who struggled without income for months can finally pay bills, buy groceries, and plan for their futures again.