Workers in Transport Agencies Demands Release of GH¢26 Million in Unpaid Salaries, Blames Transport Ministry for Delays

A labour union representing workers across agencies in Ghana’s transport sector has strongly criticized the Ministry of Transport Ghana over delays in the release of funds meant for salary payments.

At a press briefing, union leaders revealed that an amount of GH¢26 million earmarked for workers’ salaries has still not been disbursed, despite earlier assurances from authorities that the funds are readily available.

According to the union, the prolonged delay has left many workers and their families in financial distress, with several struggling to meet basic living expenses.

“We know the money exists, but the concern is why it has not been released. Workers have exercised patience for far too long, yet nothing has changed,” a union representative stated.

The group further raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the situation, calling on the ministry to provide clear explanations and immediately facilitate the release of the funds.

Union officials disclosed that multiple meetings have been held with representatives of the Ministry of Transport Ghana, during which commitments were made to resolve the issue. However, they claim those assurances have not translated into action.

In addition to the salary delays, the union criticized the sector minister for what it described as limited engagement with agencies under his supervision. The group alleged that the minister has not visited any of the 15 agencies within the sector over the past two years and has failed to engage workers’ representatives despite repeated requests.

The dispute has since been referred to the National Labour Commission for mediation. However, the union says progress has been slow, citing delays and alleged non-compliance with agreed timelines by the ministry.

While reaffirming their commitment to peaceful and lawful protest, union leaders warned that growing frustration among workers could escalate if the issue is not addressed promptly.

They are therefore urging both the Ministry of Transport Ghana and the Ministry of Finance Ghana to respect the authority of the Labour Commission and provide a clear timeline for the disbursement of the funds.

The union clarified that the GH¢26 million is not a new allocation but part of funds from the previous year intended to settle outstanding salary arrears.

They cautioned that continued delays could further worsen the economic situation of affected workers and called on government to act swiftly to resolve the impasse.