Members of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have begun a nationwide sit-down strike over poor road conditions, unsafe working environments and low salaries.
The drivers have parked their tanker trucks across the country, suspending operations after what they say was government’s failure to address their concerns within a two-week deadline.
National Chairman of the Union, George Nyaunu, announced the strike at the Tema tanker yard on Tuesday.
He cited the poor condition of the Birimso Bridge section of the Accra-Kumasi Highway as a major concern, claiming that three tanker drivers had died there within the past year.
Mr Nyaunu also raised concerns about deplorable roads leading to major petroleum loading depots in the Tema area, describing them as dangerous to both drivers and the public.
Some of the striking drivers also complained about the risks and difficult conditions they face while transporting petroleum products.
Aside from road safety, the drivers are demanding an upward review of their salaries, arguing that their current pay does not reflect the risks involved in transporting petroleum products.
The union says its members will continue the sit-down strike until government takes concrete steps to address their concerns.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Philip Azu
