Tanker drivers in the Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Western North Regions have initiated a three-day strike, effective immediately, over allegations of inaccuracies in the measuring meters installed at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport Company (BOST) depot in Kumasi. The strike, sparked by claims of fuel shortages resulting from these flawed instruments, is significantly disrupting the supply of petroleum products across the region, causing considerable financial hardship for drivers and impacting the livelihoods of countless individuals reliant on the industry.
The drivers, led by Vice Chairman Dominic Brenya, assert that the measuring meters have consistently failed internal tests conducted by themselves and other stakeholders. This failure, they contend, has resulted in a demonstrable pattern of fuel shortages, forcing drivers to bear the brunt of the issue.
Brenya revealed that the situation is placing a substantial financial burden on drivers. He further stated that despite the deployment of modern technologies – including GPS tracking and sophisticated monitoring systems – measuring machines continue to record shortages, raising serious concerns about the accuracy of the fuel distribution network. The association is calling for immediate action from government agencies and the National Petroleum Authority to address the problem.
The strike isn’t merely confined to the depot; drivers are also expressing frustration with inefficiencies within the loading systems at the Kumasi Depot. They are increasingly forced to park their trucks on the shoulders of the road, creating a significant safety hazard for road users, particularly given the flammable nature of the fuel being transported. Furthermore, the inadequate parking facilities provided by BOST itself are a major concern, with drivers frequently experiencing long delays due to insufficient space. This lack of proper facilities directly threatens road safety.
The drivers are demanding the provision of adequate sleeping spaces to ensure their safety while waiting to load, and they have vowed to continue the strike until their concerns are addressed by BOST, the National Petroleum Authority, and the government. The lack of a response from management of BOST has been a key point of contention, with concerns growing about potential shortfalls in the supply of petroleum products to filling stations, impacting regional economies and transportation networks. The situation underscores the critical need for robust and reliable fuel measurement systems to ensure the stability and efficiency of the petroleum industry in the Ashanti region and beyond.
This strike represents a significant challenge for the region, with implications for both the transport sector and the broader economy. The long-term impact of the disruption remains to be seen, but the drivers’ demands are clear: a swift and decisive response is urgently required to mitigate the damage caused by this prolonged industrial action.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
