Ghana’s National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has temporarily called off its two-day sit-down strike, giving the government one month to show progress in addressing the poor condition of roads leading to major petroleum depots nationwide.
Tanker loading operations resumed on Friday after the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) intervened.
The union had initially given the government two weeks to address the deteriorating roads before commencing the industrial action on Wednesday, September 2.
The strike affected tanker operations at major loading locations, including the Tema industrial enclave, with drivers protesting the poor state of roads used in transporting petroleum products to different parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the union identified the Valco Roundabout-Kpone Junction road in Tema and roads within the Takoradi and Buipe depot areas as some of the major concerns.
It described the affected roads as important economic routes and said their deteriorating condition presented serious health and safety concerns for tanker drivers, workers and other users.
The union noted that activities supported by these routes generate about GH¢300 million ($X million) in weekly tax revenue for the government, highlighting their economic significance.
While the strike has been suspended, the drivers said they have not withdrawn any of their demands and urged the government to take urgent action to speed up the rehabilitation and completion of the affected roads.
The government has been given one month to demonstrate what the union described as “visible and measurable progress.” The drivers warned that failure to meet this expectation could result in the resumption of industrial action.
“Should Government fail to demonstrate visible and measurable progress within the one-month period, the Unions will be compelled to resume industrial action, including a prolonged sit-down strike,” the union said.
The suspension of the strike provides temporary relief to petroleum transport operators and businesses that rely on the continuous supply of fuel. However, the government now faces pressure to address the condition of the affected roads before the one-month deadline ends.