The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has announced that ot has suspended its sit-down strike over the deteriorating condition of the 7.2-kilometre Valco Roundabout–Kpone Junction road in Tema.

The Union, together with allied petroleum tanker drivers, commenced the sit-down strike on Wednesday, September 2, a day after the drivers held a press conference at the Valco Roundabout where they warned of imminent industrial action if the government failed to address the poor state of the road.

However, barely 48-hours after the strike, the Association, in a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, announced that it had suspended the strike following interventions and engagements by the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).

“Following interventions and engagements by the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the Union has decided to call off the strike,” the statement said.

The drivers said the strike was triggered by the government’s continued failure to prioritise the rehabilitation and completion of the roads, despite their importance to petroleum transportation and the wider economy.

According to the Union, the roads facilitate major economic activities through which the government generates about GH¢300 million in tax revenue every week.

“It is therefore unacceptable that roads of such strategic national importance continue to be neglected and allowed to deteriorate to a condition that poses serious safety, health and security risks to tanker drivers, workers, and other road users within the depot enclave,” the statement said.

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The Union, however, stressed that the suspension of the strike should not be interpreted as an abandonment of its concerns.

“We wish to emphasise, however, that calling off the strike does not constitute a withdrawal of our concerns or demands,” it stated.

Consequently, it has directed all tanker drivers to resume loading and normal operations from Friday, September 4.

The tanker drivers are now giving the government a one-month window to demonstrate tangible progress on the roads.

“The Union expects Government to take immediate and concrete steps to fast-track the completion of these roads,” the statement said.

It warned that failure by the government to show “visible and measurable progress” within the one month would compel the drivers to resume the industrial action.

“Should Government fail to demonstrate visible and measurable progress within the one month, the Unions will be compelled to resume industrial action, including a prolonged sit-down strike,” the statement warned.

The Union is therefore calling on the government to treat the completion of the Valco Roundabout–Kpone Junction road, as well as roads within the Takoradi and Buipe Depot enclaves, as matters of national priority.

It said decisive action was needed to protect lives, safeguard economic activity and ensure the safe and uninterrupted transportation of petroleum products across the country.