Petroleum tanker drivers are expected to begin a sit-down strike today, September 2, over the deteriorating condition of the 7.2-kilometre Valco Roundabout–Kpone Junction road in Tema.
The drivers say the poor state of the road poses serious safety risks, particularly because they transport highly inflammable petroleum products through the area.
Speaking to Citi News, National Chairman of the union, George Nyawunu, said the drivers have been left with no option but to take action as conditions on the road continue to worsen.
He acknowledged that a contractor is currently working on the road but said progress on the rehabilitation project has been frustratingly slow.
According to the drivers, the deteriorating stretch is affecting their operations and increasing the dangers associated with transporting petroleum products through the Tema enclave.
Their concerns are heightened by the concentration of petroleum storage depots in the area, which contain millions of litres of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Nyawunu warned that the situation could have serious consequences if the road is not urgently fixed.
“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,” he said.
The sit-down strike is expected to disrupt petroleum tanker operations until steps are taken to address concerns over the condition of the road.
