The National Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Association, Mr. George Nyaunu, has raised concerns over what he describes as growing political interference in Ghana’s tanker transport sector, warning that the trend is contributing to the recent spate of tanker-related accidents across the country.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Ebaanosen, hosted by Ohene Kinnah, Mr. Nyaunu alleged that politicians and influential individuals have taken over parts of the tanker business by acquiring fleets of tanker vehicles and employing largely inexperienced drivers.
According to him, this development is undermining safety standards and increasing the risk of road crashes involving fuel tankers.
He stressed that enforcing union membership for tanker drivers could significantly improve safety outcomes, as it would ensure proper training, certification, and adherence to industry regulations.
Mr. Nyaunu also called for stronger institutional representation, proposing that tanker drivers be given a seat on the board of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to ensure their concerns are directly factored into policy decisions.
Ghana’s tanker transport sector plays a critical role in fuel distribution nationwide, but it has faced persistent challenges over the years.
Key among them is the issue of inadequate training and weak regulatory enforcement, which has often led to accidents involving fuel tankers—sometimes with fatal consequences and significant environmental damage.
The Tanker Drivers Association has also repeatedly raised concerns about poor working conditions, including long driving hours, pressure from employers, and limited access to structured training programs.
Additionally, the increasing involvement of politically exposed individuals in the sector has, according to industry players, complicated efforts to enforce standards and discipline, as regulatory bodies may be hesitant to act decisively.
These challenges have intensified calls for reforms, including stricter licensing requirements, mandatory unionization or certification, and greater stakeholder representation in decision-making bodies like the NPA.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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