Chief Director at the Energy Ministry, Lawrence Apaalse, has disclosed that the energy ministry has directed the National Petroleum Authority to revisit delayed negotiations with the Tanker Drivers and other stakeholders.
According to him, resolving the issues of salaries of these tanker drivers and other critical matters remain relevant to the sector minister, Dr Matthew Opoku.
Another area of concern Mr Apaalse highlighted, is the “relationship between the drivers and the owners of the tankers”.
“Also, we have issues of tax evasion and dumping of fuel meant for a particular place, they go and dump it at a different place. All these are issues people in the downstream are saddled with. I’m saying that the ministry has directed NPA to sit down with various stakeholders and ensure that these things are well streamlined”.
Mr Lawrence Apaalse
He made these revelations at the swearing in of executives of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union.
NPA determined to resolve salary matters
On his part, George Nyaunu, Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, revealed that there are still issues with salaries.
“We negotiated with transporters and NPA as well. So, it has been increased from GHC1, 000 to GHC1, 700. In the NPA rules and regulations, [per] the agreement that we signed, anytime that UPPF has been increased then drivers’ salaries will also be increased; because, our salary has been factored in the UPPF. But you know, some of the opinion leaders do not want us to know how much has been factored in the UPPF… because it’s very hard for a tanker driver to be driving this hazardous product on the road and at the end of the month you give him 1,000 cedis… which is unfair”.
Mr George Nyaunu
Touching on the salary issue, the Director for Policy Coordination at the National Petroleum Authority, Jacob Amoah, speaking on behalf of the Chief executive of NPA, Dr Mustapha Hamid, indicated that they are working hard to resolve the challenges.
“Also, the NPA is working with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to revise the stalled negotiations that hitherto was going on in respect of the drivers’ salaries. We expect that with the new interventions going on, this issue will be resolved comprehensively.
“We believe that all these issues of concern to the tanker drivers’ union will be settled appropriately”.
Mr Jacob Amoah
Tanker Drivers Union issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the President
In October last year, the Ghana National Tanker Drivers Union issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Akufo-Addo to address issues affecting their members.
Among other issues, the tanker drivers revealed that they felt compelled to take low salaries. To compound matters, the union noted that they also had to endure harassment from police officers at various checkpoints in the country.
Furthermore, they accused the former Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Hassan Tampuli, neglecting their welfare.
In a press conference, the Chairman of the Union, George Nyaunu, highlighted the challenges faced by tanker drivers in Tema. He further petitioned the President to swiftly address the matter.
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