Tanker drivers affiliated with the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union in the Ashanti Region have launched a nationwide sit-down strike in order to draw attention to the deteriorating state of roads leading to the Kumasi depot of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST).
The drivers argue that the recent heavy rains have worsened the condition of the roads, posing a significant danger to the transportation of highly flammable petroleum products.
One of the main concerns raised by the drivers is the safety hazards posed by the poor road conditions, which hinder the movement of tankers to and from the depot.
Edmund Baba, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, stressed that the strike will continue until the necessary road repairs are carried out. He highlighted the difficulties faced by drivers when it rains and floods, making it challenging to navigate the area.
The chairman emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences if a vehicle were to get stuck or overturned in such conditions, leading to an explosion that could impact the nearby storage tanks. He expressed concerns about the potential loss of lives and property resulting from negligence and stressed that the drivers will not resume work until the roads are properly fixed.
The sit-down strike initiated by the tanker drivers aims to bring attention to the urgent need for road repairs in the area surrounding the Kumasi depot. By halting their operations, the drivers hope to raise awareness of the risks they face and the importance of addressing the road conditions to ensure the safe transportation of petroleum products.
The strike serves as a demonstration of the drivers’ determination to prioritize safety and prevent any potential accidents or disasters that could occur due to the neglected road infrastructure.
Source – citinewsroom.com
