The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Edudzi Tameklo, has met with the Ghana National Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union (GNPTDU) to discuss concerns affecting the welfare and working conditions of tanker drivers. The meeting at the NPA's head office followed a series of strike actions by the union, which have since been suspended. The industrial action was largely linked to concerns over the deplorable condition of the Tema Oil Refinery-Kpone Road and the deteriorating state of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) yard.
During the meeting, tanker drivers raised several concerns, including oil loss control, compensation for drivers who undertake long journeys on difficult roads, and other welfare-related issues. The drivers also highlighted the need for improved working conditions, citing the poor state of infrastructure and facilities used by the industry. The NPA CEO assured the drivers that the Authority would work to address these concerns and engage relevant institutions and stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
Mr. Tameklo stated that the NPA is committed to resolving the challenges confronting tanker drivers, describing the situation as an "industry old matter." He noted that the Authority is working to get BOST to agree on reforms, with the Ghana Standards Authority providing an unbiased report on the matter. The NPA CEO emphasized that the Authority will do everything possible to resolve the issue and improve the working conditions of tanker drivers.
The condition of the Tema Oil Refinery-Kpone Road was a major concern discussed during the meeting. Mr. Tameklo described the situation as a major concern and stated that he is advocating for the road to be included in the government's Big Push infrastructure programme. He noted that different models are being explored to address the issue, including having companies in the vicinity contribute to fixing the road.
The National Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union, George Nyaunu, apologized to the NPA for the union's failure to notify the Authority before embarking on the strike. He explained that the union had proceeded with the action due to the urgency of its concerns and thanked Mr. Tameklo for agreeing to meet with them. The union's concerns were primarily focused on letting their issues be heard, rather than targeting the NPA.
The meeting between the NPA CEO and the tanker drivers underscored the Authority's commitment to engaging stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector. The NPA aims to address challenges affecting the transportation of petroleum products and improve the safety and welfare of industry operators. The Authority's efforts to resolve the concerns of tanker drivers are expected to have a positive impact on the industry.
The NPA's engagement with the tanker drivers' union is seen as a step towards resolving the challenges facing the industry. The Authority's commitment to addressing the concerns of tanker drivers and improving working conditions is expected to lead to improved safety and welfare for industry operators. The meeting has provided a platform for the NPA to engage with stakeholders and work towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the industry.
Key points
- The NPA CEO assured tanker drivers of improved working conditions and engagement with stakeholders to address concerns.
- The meeting discussed concerns over the condition of the Tema Oil Refinery-Kpone Road and the BOST yard.
- The NPA aims to engage stakeholders to address challenges affecting the transportation of petroleum products and improve industry safety and welfare.
