Fuel tanker drivers under the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have begun a three-day sit-down strike over what they describe as worsening conditions at the yard where they park their trucks near the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Kumasi Depot.
The drivers say the poor state of the yard poses serious safety risks, particularly during periods of rainfall, and have accused BOST management of failing to undertake the needed rehabilitation despite repeated concerns raised by the union.
In addition to the condition of the yard, the drivers are protesting what they say are persistent shortages of petroleum products recorded when they offload fuel at the depot.
According to the union, the shortages are linked to faults in machinery and equipment used to discharge petroleum products from the tankers.
The union says several engagements with BOST officials aimed at resolving the challenges have not produced the expected results, prompting the drivers to resort to industrial action.
The strike has raised concerns over the potential impact on the transportation and distribution of petroleum products, particularly if the action extends beyond the three days.
Industry observers fear that a prolonged disruption could affect fuel supplies in parts of the country and increase the risk of shortages if the issues are not resolved promptly.
Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, Dominic Brenya, said the drivers would remain on strike until their concerns are addressed.
The union is therefore calling for urgent intervention to rehabilitate the parking yard, fix the faulty offloading equipment and resolve the recurring shortages before the drivers return to work.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
