The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has moved quickly to clarify its non-involvement in the industrial strike action embarked upon by railway workers under the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
In a statement signed by Dr. Frederick Appoh, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, the authority emphasized that the strike has “absolutely no connection” with its operations.
The statement highlighted that the GRDA and GRCL, though both involved in the rail transport sector, are two entirely separate entities with different legal mandates.
“The GRDA was established under the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779) to own, develop, maintain, and regulate railway infrastructure in Ghana. Since the coming into force of Act 779, the GRCL, a state-owned limited liability company, has focused mainly on operating railway services, including passenger and freight transport.”
Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA)
This distinction, the Authority noted, has often been misunderstood by the general public, especially during times of unrest within the railway sector.
The GRDA reiterated that it has not initiated, endorsed, or participated in any form of protest or industrial action. “We wish to assure the public that the GRDA remains fully operational and has not initiated or endorsed any form of public demonstration on any issue.”
GRDA Clarifies Ongoing Worker Protest
Indeed, the Authority noted that it is currently engaged in finalizing operational arrangements for the much-anticipated commencement of services along the newly constructed 97-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line.
This development, which has also seen the procurement of two new trains by the government, marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s standard-gauge railway expansion under the ongoing Railway Master Plan.
The GRDA emphasized that its focus remains on “fulfilling its infrastructure development mandate and streamlining operational requirements of the new Standard Gauge railway lines.”
The Authority further emphasized that its core operations and ongoing infrastructure projects have not experienced any disruptions, reaffirming its commitment to delivering on its mandate without interruption.
“Our operations remain unaffected by any industrial action by the GRCL. Our staff remain dedicated to advancing key projects and delivering efficient railway infrastructure for national development.”
Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA)
While the GRDA continues with its core responsibilities, the same cannot be said for workers under the GRCL, who have laid down their tools in protest of what they describe as prolonged neglect and poor working conditions.
Ghana Railway Workers Demand Salary Arrears and Investment
Meanwhile, railway workers across the country, particularly in Accra, Tema, Tarkwa, Takoradi, and Kumasi, began a coordinated strike action today, Tuesday, 13th May 2025, morning, with placards calling attention to their grievances.
Slogans such as “We have not been paid for seven months,” “Where are our salaries?” and “Railway sector needs investment now” were seen prominently during the demonstrations.
The Accra Branch General Secretary of the Railway Workers’ Union, Franklin Cobbinah, spoke to the media on the group’s frustrations.
“For seven months, we have not been paid, and we have not heard anything tangible from our management. So we are giving them till the close of today.”
Franklin Cobbinah
According to him, if the GRCL management fails to respond with concrete solutions, the union will intensify its action.
“The workers will be coming to work, but nobody will be touching anything. The morning train that runs from Tema to Accra—we will stop that train. Not just in Accra. In Tarkwa, we will do the same. In Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi—they will all do what we are doing here.”
Franklin Cobbinah
The striking workers also lamented the lack of salary increments over the past three years, adding to their frustration over unpaid wages.
Their protest highlights broader concerns about the sustainability of the railway operating company and its ability to attract new investment without addressing the welfare of its workforce.
Call for Public Understanding and Institutional Clarity
The GRDA wrapped up its statement by appealing to both the general public and the media to make a clear distinction between the Ghana Railway Development Authority and the Ghana Railway Company Limited.
The Authority emphasized the importance of understanding the separate roles and responsibilities of each institution, particularly in times of industrial unrest or sector-wide challenges.
“We encourage the public to distinguish between the two institutions and note that the planned strike by the GRCL does not impact the GRDA or our activities.”
Ghana Railway Development Authority
It also extended appreciation to the public for its continued support and called for understanding amid the ongoing challenges faced by the broader rail transport sector.
The current tension within Ghana’s railway sector shines a spotlight on the need for better communication and stakeholder engagement, especially when multiple entities operate within a shared industry framework.
While the Ghana Railway Development Authority pushes ahead with infrastructure goals, operational concerns within GRCL must also be addressed to ensure the long-term functionality and public trust in Ghana’s railway services.
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