2024: Due to persistent attacks, tanker drivers threaten to clash with police outriders.

Due to persistent attacks, tanker drivers threaten to clash with police outriders.

Following a troubling pattern of violent attacks on its members by police outriders, the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has issued a strong warning.

Union Chairman George Teye Nyaunu disclosed the startling regularity of these incidences, which have resulted in injuries to drivers and put their safety in danger, at a recent news conference in Tema.

Nyaunu brought attention to a particularly serious instance in which one of their drivers was attacked by police outriders and suffered serious injuries. According to reports, these outriders have been hurling stones at tanker drivers who refuse to stop at designated spots, putting their own lives and the lives of other motorists in jeopardy.

The union has complained about the lack of response even after bringing these occurrences to the attention of the Inspector General of Police. Nyaunu underlined that they have yet to get any response or recognition from law enforcement addressing their safety concerns.

“There has been no response to our repeated attempts to discuss these issues with the Inspector General of Police,” he said. “This disregard is concerning and intolerable.”

Tanker drivers are deeply concerned about the issue, and many of them have told the media about their terrifying experiences. Because of the inherent risks associated with operating huge trucks and the confrontational conduct of police outriders, many report feeling more and more insecure while working.

The Union is stressing the need for a safer working environment for tanker drivers and is calling on authorities to act quickly to solve these attacks. The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union cautions that if action is not taken quickly, it may have to handle the situation itself, which could cause more disturbances on the roadways.

The union is calling for more security and assistance from law enforcement as the situation worsens, emphasising that its members’ safety must come first. As its drivers negotiate these increasingly dangerous working conditions, the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union is steadfast in its commitment to fighting for their safety and rights.