Workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) have accused the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) of taking over operational responsibilities meant for the railway company, a situation they say has left many experienced railway workers sidelined and without active roles.

At a press conference, the aggrieved workers claimed that although the GRDA was established to oversee the development and regulation of railway infrastructure, it has allegedly moved into direct train operations, contrary to its original mandate.

According to the workers, Ghana Railway Company Limited remains the institution legally mandated to operate railway services in the country, yet its staff continue to be excluded from key operational activities.

The workers further alleged that only about 40 employees from the railway company have been engaged by the GRDA for ongoing railway operations, leaving a significant number of workers idle despite their years of experience in the sector.

They argued that the situation has created uncertainty within Ghana’s railway industry and affected the morale of railway company staff who are trained and prepared to manage railway operations.

Convener of the group, Henry Boakye Annan, blamed the current challenges in the railway sector on what he described as the increasing interference of the GRDA in operational matters.

The workers also called for a clear separation of responsibilities between the two institutions to avoid administrative conflicts and improve efficiency within the railway sector.

They appealed to the government to prioritise the revival and modernisation of the railway industry through the rehabilitation of abandoned rail lines and increased investment in railway infrastructure to improve transportation and economic activity across the country.