Committee on Ghana Railways presents report to government

Accra, Dec. 24, GNA - The Ministerial Committee set up last year to investigate allegations by workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) against the former Managing Director, Mr. Rufus Okai Quaye, on Thursday presented its report to Mr. Mike Hammah, Minister of Transport (MOT) in Accra.

The committee inaugurated on April 9, 2008 was setup by Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Minister of Railways and Harbours, following GRCL workers agitation to resolve the impasse and improve management and operations of the company.

Mr. Albert Kweku Obbin, Chairman of the Committee, presenting the report said it was mandated to investigate alleged financial impropriety against Mr. Quaye, the management and operations of the estate division as well as transfers made by the management since July, 2006.

It also investigated the financial regulations of the company in relation to the signing of cheques, the productivity levels of both management and workers to enhance performance and productivity. Mr. Obbin said though the committee was initially mandated to complete its work within three months,it could not do so partly due to the controversy on the composition of the membership which delayed the commencement of work for about three weeks. "Nana Agyenfi Kwame, Omanhene on Nsein Traditional Area voluntarily withdrew."

The delay by Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, to implement the committee's initial recommendation that Mr. Quaye should proceed on leave also stalled proceedings adding:" the committee had to suspend its sittings for four months before that recommendation was implemented."

Mr. Obbin noted that the Election 2008 and the subsequent change of political administration also contributed to delays since the committee had to wait for sometime to get approval to continue its work. He said notwithstanding these problems, the committee was able to execute its work fairly by inviting 51 witnesses to its 75 sittings. Mr. Hammah commended the committee for the thorough work done and gave the assurance that government would expedite action on the report implement the recommendations to ensure recapitalization of the railway sector to contribute to the country's socio-economic development. He said government would study the report carefully and issue a White Paper by the end of April next year.

Other members of the committee were; Mr. Charles Bawaduah, representative of GTUC, Mr. G. P. Hackman, representative of GRCL workers and Mr. David Azongo, representative of Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare.

The rest are; Mr. George Edward Kwadwo Ofori, representative of the Attorney General's Department, Mr. Wisdom K. Segbefia, representative of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Ms. Cecilia Erzuah, representative of the Ministry.