Tanker drivers begin three-day strike over alleged fuel measurement inaccuracies at BOST Kumasi

Tanker drivers in the Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Western North Regions of Ghana are staging a three-day strike at the BOST Kumasi depot over alleged inaccuracies in fuel measurement equipment. According to the drivers, the measuring meters have proven unreliable, leading to persistent fuel shortages that they must absorb. They have tested the meters alongside transporters, the National Petroleum Authority, and other tanker unions, yet the results indicated discrepancies.

Vice Chairman of the Association, Dominic Brenya, highlighted that the faulty measuring machines are causing significant financial strain on the drivers. Despite the use of advanced technologies to track driver movements and fuel, the measuring machines persistently record shortages. Brenya emphasized that the technology at the offloading point either lacks calibration or is faulty.

The drivers are urging stakeholders to involve the government and take immediate action to resolve the issue. They also criticized the inefficient loading systems at the depot, citing long delays due to inadequate facilities. Moreover, drivers frequently park their trucks on the road shoulders due to a lack of parking space, which endangers road users as they transport flammable goods.

The drivers demand proper sleeping quarters to ensure their safety during waiting periods. BOST management in Kumasi has not commented on the allegations, and continued industrial action could lead to a shortage of petroleum products at filling stations.