Committee On Railways Presents Report

The committee that looked into allegations of financial impropriety against the Managing Director of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), Mr Rufus Okai Quaye, has described some of its own recommendations as �controversial�. The Chairman of the committee, Mr. A.K. Obbin, who presented the report to the Minister of Transport, Mr Mike Hammah, declined to comment further on the recommendations, saying that the final decision rested with the government. He, however, indicated that the committee had recommended the allocation of more funds to resource the GRCL. The report contained the executive summary, the main report and statements of witnesses. The seven-member committee was inaugurated on April 9, 2008 to investigate various allegations against Mr Quaye, following worker�s agitation that lasted for almost four months. The committee was mandated to investigate alleged financial impropriety against Mr Quaye, division of the GRCL, all transfers by management since July, 2006 and financial regulations of the company in relation to the signing of cheques. It was also to look into the productivity levels of both management and workers, with a view to enhancing performance and other relevant matters relating to the allegations leveled against Mr. Quaye. In all, 51 witnesses appeared before the committee, which held 75 sittings. Mr. Quaye said the committee executed its work �fairly, with the future success of GRCL, as its overriding interest�. He, therefore, urged the government to expedite action on the recommendations of the report. Mr. Hammah noted socio-economic development of the country, nothing that the government would study the report critically and issue a white paper on it by the first quarter of next year. He said the government intended to revitalize the railway sector to contribute more efficiently to the overall development of the nation. The government is going to study the report to the letter so that the GRCL, will play the critical role needed,� he stressed.