“You are an integral part of Ghana’s Railway dev’t” Railway Minister tells Workers Union

Minister for Railway Development, Joe Ghartey has maintained that the Ghana Railway Company Limited remains an integral part of the president’s vision for railway development. He argued that government has demonstrated that commitment by awarding components of the railway rehabilitation projects to the company, so they could sustain their operations and enhance their capacities.

“As far as I’m concerned, the Ghana Railway Company Limited is an integral part of the process of developing our railway sector. If it was not, like we wont even a contract [to them] to be engaged in rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and construction of railway line is not part of their mandate but we because we want them to be part of the future gave them contracts to rehabilitate the lines and coaches” the Minister stated.

He recalled that the Accra- Nsawam, Accra-Tema, and Kojokrom-Tarkwa rail lines were all awarded to the GRCL for rehabilitation under the current administration.

“…why didn’t they say as at that time that, that is this is not our job so we wont do it? They did it because we are changing the sector and they will be involve, private people will be involved” he added.

His comments comes after a heated press conference by the Ghana Railways Workers Union, yesterday, demanding of government to revamp the entire Western Rail Lines. Among other concerns raised by the Union, was an alleged contract awarded the Ghana National Garages Association for the renovation of some coaches for the GRCL.

Mr Joe Ghartey stated in his response that decision was effected by the Acting Managing Director for the company, Mr John Essel, and that the Union should not fault government for the decision.