The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has threatened to embark on a sit-down strike over the deplorable condition of the road from the Valco Roundabout through the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to Kpone.
The union says the poor state of the road has made operations increasingly difficult, despite the route serving as a major corridor for the transportation of petroleum products and providing access to several industrial facilities.
Speaking to the media, Chairman of the Union, George Nyawunu, said the stretch serves more than eight loading depots, including Sentuo, as well as several warehouses.
He said the construction of the road was first awarded in 2008, but the project was subsequently abandoned.
According to him, the project was re-awarded in 2023 under the previous administration. However, he said work by the contractor has been inconsistent, leaving significant portions of the road in poor condition.
Mr Nyawunu expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to address the concerns of tanker drivers, despite the important role they play in the transportation of petroleum products and the revenue generated through their operations.
He said it was unacceptable for drivers to repeatedly plead with authorities to fix a road that is critical to their work and the country’s petroleum supply chain.
The union, he disclosed, has written to the Minister for Roads and Highways and the Minister for Energy seeking meetings to discuss the situation.
However, Mr Nyawunu said the requests have so far not received a positive response.
Strike planned for September 2
The union has therefore announced plans to lay down their tools on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in protest against what it describes as the neglect and ill-treatment of tanker drivers.
Mr Nyawunu called on all tanker drivers to join the action by parking their vehicles on the day of the protest until their concerns are addressed.
The planned action could potentially affect the movement of petroleum products if the dispute is not resolved before the deadline.
The union is consequently urging the relevant authorities to engage its leadership and take urgent steps to address the road’s condition.
