Committee to probe allegations of rail workers

Accra, April 8, GNA - The Ministry of Harbours and Railways on Tuesday inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate allegations and grievances of workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL). The committee, headed by Mr Albert Kwaku Obbin, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport, would also probe alleged financial impropriety levelled against Mr Rufus Okai Quaye, Managing Director of the GRCL.

Inaugurating the committee in Accra, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi said the initiative was in fulfilment of terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by stakeholders on April 2. He said the committee would also investigate issues relating to the management and operations of the Estate Division of the company, including all transfers by its management since July 2006 and financial regulations on the signing of cheques.

The committee has been charged to complete its mandate within 21 days to ensure uninterrupted operations, industrial harmony and improved efficiency in the rail sector.

The Minister tasked the members to work transparently and fairly and called for the cooperation of all factions to achieve the desired result.

He commended the workers for calling off their strike and called for closer interaction between management and staff always to sustain industrial harmony.

On the salary of the workers, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi pledged that the Ministry was in talks to get their February salaries paid as soon as possible.

Mr Obbin on behalf of members of the committee gave the assurance that it would work in fairness and complete the task within the timeframe.

Other members of the committee are Nana Awule Agyefi Kwame II, a traditional ruler, Mr Charles Bawa Dua of the Trades Union Congress, Mr J.K. Hackman, GRCL, and a representative each from the Attorney General's Department and the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment. The committee has Ms Cecilia Erzuah, Director of the sector Ministry as Secretary.