President John Dramani Mahama has directed the ministry of transport to initiate the extension of the railway line from Tema Port to the Dawa Industrial Enclave in the Greater Accra Region.

He explained that while construction of the Mpakadan Inland Port on the Volta Lake was still underway, the Tema Port–Dawa Industrial Enclave railway project should proceed to ensure the smooth transportation of cargo between the port and the industrial zone.

According to the president, the completed line will not only enhance cargo movement but also serve as a transport link for workers commuting between Ashaiman and the Dawa Industrial Enclave.

President Mahama gave the directive during a meeting with organised labour, led by the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, to discuss salary arrears owed to workers in the rail sector.

He announced that the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, will be briefed on the matter to make the necessary budgetary allocations to clear the outstanding arrears.

The president also disclosed that based on recommendations from the minister for transport, over 100 railway workers will be transferred from the Western Region to Tema to manage the Tema–Mpakadan line, while those due for retirement will receive appropriate compensation.

On the issue of dismantling old railway tracks, President Mahama instructed that the work be undertaken by railway workers themselves, with all recovered metals transported directly to factories for recycling.

The TUC Secretary-General commended President Mahama for his proactive engagement and swift response to concerns raised by organised labour.

Also present at the meeting were Presidential Adviser and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr Frederick Appoh.