7,000 gas tanker drivers to lose their jobs by September 1

More than 7,000 workers risked being jobless in the coming days if government goes ahead to implement a contract that was signed by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government on cylinder re-circulation.

Gas Tanker Drivers across the country who will be affected, are calling on President Nana Akufo-Addo to abrogate a contract John Mahama administration entered into with Puma Energy Ltd to be the sole entity tasked with the supply of gas and cylinders to domestic consumers.

“Mr President, we know you’re a listening President so we’re appealing to you to withdraw the policy because it will be disastrous if your administration goes ahead with it.”

The drivers say the “Cylinder Re-circulation Model” policy which is set to be implemented beginning from September 1, this year, will result in more than 7,000 people being thrown out of their jobs.

At a press conference in Tema, the drivers issued a three day ultimatum to government to withdraw the policy or face their wrath in the coming days.

According to them, they will roll out a series of actions including a sit down strike to put pressure on government after Wednesday, 2nd August.

“If Nana Akufo-Addo listens to us, then we will continue to work but if he doesn’t we will lay down our tools and what will follow will be too much for him to bear, ” they warned.

Speaking to mynewsgh.com in an interview National Chairman of the Gas Tanker Drivers Association, Shefiu Mohammed, wondered why government would rush to implement such a policy which would kick thousands out of jobs.

He noted that government’s determination to create an enabling environment for indigenous companies to grow in order to create jobs will be defeated if Puma Energy is allowed, while local LPG stations are made to close down.

“Our Ghanaian employers spend not less than GHS700, 000 to set up a single gas filling station and the number of people they employ range from 200, 180, 60 and so on and government wants them to shut down,” Shefiu Mohammed concluded.

He rejected claims by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) that some gas filling stations in the country were to be blamed for recent gas explosions.

On his part, Charles Danso who is the National Chairman of Committed Drivers Union also urged President Akufo-Addo to intervene to save the drivers from losing their jobs.

He noted that throwing over 7000 out of jobs would compound the unemployment situation in the country.

Charles Danso who is the National Chairman of the Committed Drivers Union expressed his displeasure over the Puma Energy deal.