The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has issued a stern warning following a series of violent attacks on its members by police outriders.
Union Chairman George Teye Nyaunu addressed the media during a press conference in Tema, expressing grave concern over the frequency of these incidents, which have left several drivers injured and jeopardized their safety.
Nyaunu recounted a particularly severe incident in which a driver sustained serious injuries after being assaulted by police outriders.
Reports indicate that these outriders have been throwing stones at tanker drivers who fail to comply with their demands to stop at specific locations, putting both the drivers and other road users at risk.
Despite raising these issues with the Inspector General of Police, the union has expressed frustration over the lack of response from law enforcement.
“We have made several attempts to discuss these issues with the Inspector General of Police, but there has been no response. This neglect is alarming and unacceptable,” Nyaunu stated.
The situation has raised significant alarm among tanker drivers, many of whom have shared their troubling experiences with the media. They report feeling increasingly vulnerable while on the job, as the heavy trucks they operate pose inherent risks, further exacerbated by hostile actions from police outriders.
The union is urging authorities to take immediate action to address these attacks and to ensure a safer working environment for tanker drivers.
If prompt intervention is not forthcoming, the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union warns it may be compelled to take matters into its own hands, which could lead to further unrest on the roads.
As the situation escalates, the union continues to call for increased support and protection from law enforcement, stressing that the safety of their members must be a priority.
The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of its drivers amid these increasingly hazardous working conditions.
