Forty Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) owning tankers have terminated their relationship with the Tanker Owners Union, citing concerns over lack of accountability and transparency in the union’s leadership.
They are also concerned about unresolved issues affecting OMCs’ interests after several attempts and calls for union reform and better governance had failed.
The move to sever ties with the union could have dire implications including potential disruption in fuel distribution, increased costs for OMCs and consumers.
The forty OMCs are exploring alternative partnerships to ensure efficient fuel transportation, prioritising transparency and accountability.
Responding to the move, the executive director at Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), Benjamin Nsiah urged the 40 breakaway OMCs to retain to the union to address these concerns to prevent further fragmentation.
‘‘Such divisions in the industry do not augur well for the welfare of the tanker drivers, their union and the Tanker Owners Union. So we insist that, the tanker owners that have withdrawn from the general Tanker Owners Union should go back, put structures in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the usage of their funds. That can only be solved when proper structures are put in place at the Tanker Owners Union level,’’ he advised.
This development highlights the need for improved governance and transparency in Ghana’s oil industry.
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