The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have today, Wednesday, September 2, begun a sit-down strike in protest against the poor condition of the 7.2-kilometre Valco Roundabout–Kpone Junction road in Tema.

Speaking to The Independent Ghana on Monday, August 31, the Union’s Chairman, George Nyawunu, lamented the damage the deteriorating road is causing to their health.

According to him, the stretch has made it increasingly difficult and costly for its members to operate, despite being a major route for the transportation of petroleum products.

Despite repeated assurances from authorities that the road would be fixed, the situation remains unchanged, with commuters and motorists continuing to endure a dangerous and deplorable stretch.

Residents, motorists, and petroleum tanker drivers are expressing growing frustration and have called on the government to intervene and urgently address the deteriorating condition of the road.

The Union’s Chairman said the road serves more than eight loading depots, including Sentuo, as well as several warehouses and other industrial facilities.

According to him, the road project dates back to 2008 when the contract was first awarded, but the project was later abandoned.

He said the contract was re-awarded in 2023 under the previous government, but progress on the project has remained inconsistent, leaving sections of the road in a deplorable condition.

Mr Nyawunu expressed frustration over what he described as the authorities’ failure to respond to repeated concerns raised by tanker drivers.

He said the Union had written to both the Minister for Roads and Highways and the Minister for Energy, seeking meetings to discuss the condition of the road and its impact on their operations.

However, he said the requests had not received any positive response.

Mr Nyawunu questioned why tanker drivers should continue to plead with authorities over a road that is critical to the movement of petroleum products and serves businesses that generate significant revenue for the country.

He said the Union had therefore decided to take action by laying down its tools on Wednesday, September 2, if the government fails to address their concerns.

The Union has consequently directed all tanker drivers to park their vehicles on the day and join the sit-down strike until concrete steps are taken to address the condition of the road.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, September 2, he added, “Given the high concentration of volatile materials in the area, stakeholders caution that the entire Tema township and its surrounding communities are effectively sitting on a potential time bomb if the infrastructure is not urgently addressed”.