By
Laudia Sawer, GNA
Tema,
Sept. 25, GNA – The Fuel Tanker Drivers Association entered the second
day of their sit-down strike action in Tema on Tuesday to back their
demand for the enforcement of the
loading and discharge manual.
Members started the strike on Monday to ensure
that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) ordered Oil Marketing Companies
(OMCs) to strictly follow provisions of the manual since non-adherence resulted
in pay cuts for them.
According to them, because most operators
preferred recording shortages of fuel consignment from the underground tanks,
the manual enjoined them to measure shortages in the tank before discharge.
On Monday the drivers refused to load fuel as
they converged at the forecourt of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to begin a sit
down strike.
In the process, the Police fired tear gas and
rubber bullets into the crowd of the protesting drivers injuring some while
five of them including their treasurer were arrested.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Joseph
Benefo Darkwah, Tema Police Regional Public Relations Officer, told the Ghana
News Agency that the five arrested on Monday had been granted police enquiry
bail.
DSP Darkwah added that the Police would
continue to protect TOR until the issue was resolved.
Meanwhile, Mr Felix Mensah Nii Anang-La, Tema
Metropolitan Chief Executive, had visited the premises and pleaded with the
drivers to call off the strike saying their actions could have adverse effect
on all Ghanaians.
Mr Anang-La promised that he would push and
plead with relevant authorities to address their issues with urgency while they
also resumed work.
Mr George Nyaunu, Chairman, Tanker Drivers
Association, said members where law abiding and expected the NPA, OMCs and
other stakeholders to stick to the rules.
Mr Nyaunu asked the Police to release three of
their members who he said were arrested on Tuesday and the association bus
which was in the custody of the law enforcers.
GNA