The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Dr. Frederick Appoh, has disclosed that the government has initiated the release of GH₵11.6 million to clear up to seven months’ salary arrears owed to railway workers.

This follows recent protests by the Railway Workers Union over up to 14 months of unpaid salaries.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 26, Dr. Appoh said that upon assuming office, management discovered that the arrears dated as far back as 2024.

He added that while official records indicated a workforce of about 1,300, a forensic audit later established that the actual number of workers stood at 960.

According to him, the Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Railway Company Limited, explored internal revenue mobilisation measures, including the sale of scrap materials, which generated approximately GH₵21.5 million.

However, he explained that during the reconciliation process, some contractors raised concerns over unpaid consignments valued at about GH₵10 million, reducing the available funds.

“We have received GH₵21.5 million, but the Ministry was going through the reconciliation process. I am happy to announce that yesterday, the Ministry of Finance signed the release of GH₵11.6 million.

“It has been sent to the Ministry of Transport to pay our brothers and sisters at the Ghana Railway Company Limited. This will take up to seven months, looking at the entire workforce,” he said.

Dr. Appoh further indicated that the Authority will engage the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Railway Workers Union, the National Labour Commission, and the Ministry of Transport to determine a fair and sustainable disbursement plan to prevent a recurrence of the situation.

He added that efforts are underway to identify additional revenue streams to fully settle the outstanding arrears owed to the workers.