There was chaos between police and fuel tanker drivers who had gathered in front of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to register their frustrations over poor working conditions and distortions in salaries.

The fully armed personnel believed to be from the National Security, came to restore calm as the drivers started their sit-down strike.

According to Joy News’ Nancy Emefa Dzradosi, the angry members of Ghana National Tanker Drivers Union started pelting the officers who were there to stop their action with stones.

This resulted in the police shooting tear gas into the sky to disperse the crowd.

The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, which is made up of over 4,000 bulk transporters of petrol, diesel and other fuel types, has said its members will park their tankers until the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) addresses concerns relating to their working conditions and welfare.

Related: Fuel shortage imminent as tanker drivers threaten strike

“Enough is enough. We are no longer slaves to deserve this kind of treatment meted out to us. We are putting down our tools to see whether petroleum products will be carried across the country,” Chairman of the Union, George Nyaunu, told Adom News over the weekend.

“It will be in the interest of NPA to address our concerns. What will happen on Monday will have a big repercussion on the country,” he added.

Mr Nyaunu said they are tired of NPA’s failed promises to resolve their concerns.

“It is like government does not take us seriously because we have complained about this same issue for more than a year.

Monday’s strike will mean petroleum products cannot be transported to fuel stations.

Meanwhile, the National Petroleum Authority assured consumers of petroleum products that there will be no fuel shortage in the country. 

“The fears of fuel shortage are unfounded. We have enough stock in the country to last a while,” Hassan Tampuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority said on the Midday News on Joy FM.