Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Transport to extend the railway line from Tema Port to the Dawa Industrial Enclave in the Greater Accra Region. This decision was made during a meeting with Organized Labour, led by Mr. Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), to address rail sector workers' salary arrears.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama emphasized the importance of the railway extension in anticipation of the Mpakadan Inland Port's completion on the Volta Lake. The new railway line is expected to streamline the transportation of cargo from Tema Port to the Dawa Industrial Enclave. Additionally, the route will facilitate the commute of workers from the Ashaiman area to the industrial zone.
President Mahama assured that the Minister for Finance would be informed about the salary arrears issue to ensure necessary allocations are made for clearance. He also mentioned that over 100 railway workers would be relocated from the Western Region to Tema to oversee the Tema-Mpakadan line, with adequate compensation for those retiring.
The President directed that dismantling old railway tracks should be undertaken by railway workers and that the metals should be directly sent to factories for recycling. Mr. Joshua Ansah expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his quick action on matters impacting organized labour.
Attendees at the meeting included Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to the President Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr. Frederick Appoh.
