Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has acknowledged ongoing challenges in Ghana’s railway sector, stating that the government inherited a largely non-functional system burdened with salary arrears and stalled projects.
His comments come as railway workers picketed at the Ministry of Transport on Thursday, March 19, demanding the payment of outstanding salaries.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News, the Minister said many rail lines were not operational when the current administration took office, with some contractors having abandoned project sites and workers left unpaid.
“Issues of railway are a major concern for the government and the Ministry of Transport. We inherited a railway that was not functioning. Even salaries were in arrears. Contractors had abandoned the site, and things were not working,” he said.
Mr. Nikpe explained that the Ministry has since engaged contractors to return to work, citing progress on the western railway line.
“Through negotiations with some of the contractors like Amandi, the western line to Nsuta has seen the contractors return to the site, and they are currently undertaking works within the western corridor,” he noted.
He added that the Tema-Mpakadan railway line, which was not operational when the government assumed office, is now functioning, while faults on the Accra-Tema line have also been resolved.
However, he admitted that large portions of the railway network, including the western, central, and Accra to Nsawam lines, remain non-operational.
Addressing concerns over salary arrears, the Minister said the government has taken steps to begin clearing the backlog. He disclosed that in December, the Ministry worked with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for partial payments.
“I had to work tirelessly with the Minister for Finance, and GH₵10 million was released to pay about four months of salaries in December,” he said.
To address the remaining arrears, the government established a task force to dispose of obsolete railway materials as scrap to raise additional funds.
“We set up a task force to auction obsolete rail lines so that the proceeds can be used to pay the rest of the salaries,” he explained.
Mr. Nikpe acknowledged challenges encountered during the exercise, particularly in the western corridor, but noted that some revenue had been generated. He added that the funds from the auction are paid directly to the Ministry of Finance and are currently undergoing an audit.
“Different payments came in from various locations, so the Ministry of Finance has to audit and verify the exact amounts realised,” he said.
According to the Minister, discussions with the Finance Ministry are ongoing, with assurances that the audit process will be completed soon to enable further salary payments.
“Just last Monday, I met with the Finance Minister, and they assured me that by the close of this week, they would have completed the audit and determine how much can be transferred to us to pay the remaining arrears,” he stated.
The explanation comes amid pressure from railway workers, who say that despite funds reportedly raised from the sale of obsolete assets, they are yet to receive their outstanding salaries.
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