The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has assured workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) that the government is set to implement an action plan to revive and reposition the company.

Addressing management and staff at the GRCL headquarters in Takoradi, he reaffirmed the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama's administration to fixing the challenges confronting the railway sector.

"What you need now is action, and action is on its way," he declared.

Nelson explained that the government would implement pragmatic policies and programmes under the "Big Push" infrastructure development framework to transform the railway sector.

He emphasized that a revitalized railway system would enhance commercial activities in Sekondi-Takoradi and the entire Western Region, making the sector’s revival a top priority.

However, he acknowledged that the railway sector requires significant investment, which would be addressed under the "Big Push" agenda.

He noted that railway workers had long been given promises without concrete action and stressed the importance of immediate measures to restart operations at the GRCL.

"Instead of dwelling on the challenges, the focus should be on the determination to reposition the company and get it back on track," he asserted.

Nelson further assured that President Mahama is committed to rebuilding the railway sector, using GRCL as its foundation.

He insisted that the government could not afford to let the company collapse, given its historical significance in the country’s transport industry.

The Managing Director of GRCL, Ing. Dr. Michael Adjei Anyetei, who has served the company for 11 years, pointed out the pressing challenges facing the railway sector.

He noted that while the Minister was already aware of the issues, it was crucial to reiterate them.

He revealed that GRCL, established in 1896, had previously operated efficiently but had lost its commercial viability due to competition from road transport.

The railway route from Awaso to Takoradi had ceased operations due to deteriorating infrastructure, making continued operations financially unfeasible.

"The railway tracks became so bad that we had to stop using them.

In this sector, everything is capital-intensive," he explained.

Another major challenge he highlighted was the six-month backlog in workers' salary payments, placing financial strain on employees.

He pleaded with the Minister to ensure that the salary arrears were settled promptly.

"If the railway shines, it’s on you. If it fails—which I don’t wish—it’s on you," he stated, appealing passionately to the Minister to follow up on the matter.

In response, Minister Joseph Nelson acknowledged that GRCL was once the heartbeat of the Western Region but had suffered from years of neglect.

He recalled his childhood experiences travelling on the railway with his father in Ahanta West Municipality, lamenting the sector’s decline.

Nelson assured the workers that President Mahama is determined to resolve the issues hampering the sector, with a renewed commitment to making the company economically viable once again.

The Managing Director also disclosed that GRCL had entered into a new agreement with the Ghana Manganese Company to generate revenue and improve worker welfare. He urged the government to support this partnership to sustain the company’s operations.

Additionally, he informed the Minister that a recent discussion with the Transport Minister had provided assurances that the outstanding salaries would be paid soon, a statement that brought hope to the workers.

Minister Nelson reiterated the government's commitment to developing the railway sector and assured management and staff that he would personally follow up on the issues raised.

"I came here primarily to listen and understand the challenges first-hand. It’s good to have this kind of engagement. I am committed to helping you address these concerns," he stated.

He promised immediate steps to resolve the challenges and assured the workers that improvements were on the way.

"These difficulties will soon be a thing of the past. Your commitment to your work is evident, and we will critically examine these issues to ensure significant improvements in the transportation sector."

Nelson concluded by reaffirming that his visit was meant to engage with the railway workers and find practical solutions. He pledged to push for the full implementation of the agreement between GRCL and the Ghana Manganese Company to benefit both parties, ensuring a sustainable future for the railway sector.