Railway workers push for completion of Takoradi-Nsuta line by 2027

The Railway Workers Union of Ghana is urging the government to expedite the completion of the Takoradi-Nsuta section of the Western Railway Line by 2027. This project is vital for boosting mineral haulage and lessening the burden on Ghana's roads, says the union. After settling 20 months of overdue salary arrears for workers from October 2024 to May 2026, the union remains focused on resolving other issues within the railway sector.

Completion of the 20-kilometre additional stretch from Takoradi to Nsuta is a top priority, with the union aiming for the project to be finished and operational by year-end. They believe a fully functional line will enhance the transportation of manganese and other minerals from the Western Region to Takoradi Port, generate jobs, and spur economic activity along the route.

Additionally, shifting more mineral transport from roads to rail will help lessen the wear and tear caused by heavy-duty trucks on Ghana's roads. This call comes as the government is already modernizing the Western Railway Line, with the Ghana Railway Development Authority recognizing the corridor as a key route for manganese transport from Nsuta Mines to Takoradi Port.

The Ghana Railway Company currently plays a major role in transporting manganese, hauling thousands of tonnes daily. Beyond infrastructure, the union is also urging the government to finalize negotiations on severance packages for affected workers and ensure timely payments. The payment of long-standing salary arrears is just one part of their broader strategy to stabilize and reposition Ghana's railway sector.

They emphasize that completing critical infrastructure, addressing workers' concerns, and increasing the railway system's role in transporting minerals and bulk commodities will benefit the railway company, support economic activity, create employment, and promote more sustainable freight transportation in the country.