Shocking: The state of Ghana's railway system

The nationwide sit-down strike by the Railway Workers Union is now in its fourth day. JoyNews examined Ghana’s railway sector, revealing a grim reality.

At the Tema Railway Station, only one train remains operational. However, nothing is moving—not even the train itself.

The station shows signs of decay and neglect. Silence fills the tracks, reflecting years of abandonment and under-funding.

Franklin Cobbinah, Branch Secretary of the Accra Railway Workers Union, stated that the strike is non-negotiable. He said, "Until our arrears are paid in full, that train at Tema won’t move."

Workers have not been paid for over seven months. This situation affects their livelihoods and personal lives.

One worker shared his struggles: "My wife left me due to unpaid wages. I'm alone with the children." Another added, "My daughter passed her WASSCE but can't attend school because I can't pay her fees."

The issues extend beyond unpaid salaries. JoyNews found shocking conditions at Tema Railway Station.

The station has lacked running water for two years and electricity for four months. Its power plant has been out of service for five years. The washrooms on the operational train are in terrible condition.

A security guard revealed that their storeroom is unsecured: "There’s no window or lock; it’s exposed to thieves."

Many workers believe privatizing the railway sector is essential to resolve this crisis. One warned, "If we leave it in the same hands, we’re headed for doom."

The silence at Tema isn’t just from a strike; it symbolizes a failing system. It echoes years of poor leadership and broken promises.

Unless changes occur soon, that train will remain still—along with the dreams of unpaid workers who continue to show up unnoticed.