Members of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have commenced an indefinite sit-down strike, demanding better conditions of service. 

The drivers are pushing for the implementation of a policy framework that aims to enhance their salaries and overall working conditions, which has been pending with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) board since November 2023.

The drivers claim the NPA board has repeatedly failed to vote on the policy framework, preventing its implementation despite numerous attempts to secure approval. 

This continued inaction has led to growing frustration and the decision to strike.

Sunday Alabi, Vice President of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, addressed the media on Tuesday, May 21, highlighting that a petition for the policy framework’s approval was sent to the Presidency. However, they have yet to receive a response.

Mr Alabi emphasised the drivers' determination to continue the strike until their demands are met and the policy framework is approved. 

He underscored the union's commitment to improving the working conditions of its members through this action.

“We wrote a petition to the presidency last week to have the framework approved but we have not heard anything yet and that is why we are embarking on the sit-down strike because the living conditions of our drivers is so bad."

“The petroleum downstream sector does not have legs, it is the tanker drivers that carry it and so we cannot be suffering and the rest will be enjoying, and so for as long as they refuse to approve the framework, we will not resume work.”