GOIL launches bulk transporters’ drivers manual

The nation’s foremost indigenous Oil Marketing Company (OMC) the Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) on Wednesday launched the bulk transporters’ driving manual to guide drivers of petroleum products on the safety mechanism for movement from depots to delivery points.

Mr Patrick Akpe Kwame Akorli, Group Chief Executive Officer of GOIL, explained at the launch that, GOIL’s research has established that the professional petroleum driver performed potentially hazardous and important function in the distribution chain of petroleum products.

“As such it was critical that these professional drivers are equipped with expertise and operational reference manual to ensure that safety is never compromised with respect to life, property and environment in the performance their duties,” he stated.

Mr Akorli, who is also known as Togbe Adza-Nye IV, Dutorfia of Ziavi in the Volta Region, said the manual serve as a comprehensive format to instil safety, and health consciousness as well as environmentally responsible operation in the transportation of petroleum products.

He said the intent GOIL had was to provide guidelines for the transportation of petroleum products, promote and standardize the safety, health and environmental practices among truck drivers for the transportation of hazardous substances.

Mr Akorli who is also the GOIL Managing Director however commended haulage transporters and drivers for playing crucial roles in the transportation and distribution of GOIL petroleum products.

He however explained that in the interface between transporters and OMC operations, consistency, loyalty, and adherence to ethical standards were key factors GOIL considered to maintain operation.

Mr Akorli advised transport owners to take good care of their drivers, “Welfare of the driver should be of paramount interest to the vehicle owner”.

Mr. Ben Torkornoo, GOIL Head of Operations who launched the manual, explained that the booklet covered the certification process, information on various petroleum products, their characteristics and hazards.

Other areas included preparation needed to drive a petroleum truck, how to handle emergencies and general loading and unloading procedures for fuels and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Mr Torkornoo said GOIL continuous to be guided by its strategic plan that allows it to enhance the systematic research and use of the best practices at all levels, hence the development of bulk transport drivers manual.

He said GOIL as pace setters in the downstream petroleum industry, would continue to set up mechanism to ensure reliable risk management and continual review, analysis and improvement of business processes, and conduct business in an honest transparent and trust worthy manner.

“GOIL strive to provide its customers with products and services which meet their expectations as well as statutory and regulatory requirements,” Mr Torkornoo stated.

The launch of the GOIL Drivers Manual was attended by Transporters, Haulage Truck Owners, Senior Management Staffs, Station Managers, and Fuel Station Attendants as well as representatives from insurance and the banking sector.