We're paid GH¢700 as salary on table-top with no SSNIT - Tanker drivers

The Tanker Drivers Association of Ghana has expressed strong dissatisfaction with their working conditions.

The Association disclosed that its members receive a modest monthly salary of GH¢700, without any measures taken to ensure their Social Security and National Insurance Trust payments are made.

According to the Association's Chairman, Clement Ampadu, this issue has led to strike actions.

He explained that many drivers still receive their pay in cash, while others are paid via Mobile Money.

Mr. Ampadu highlighted that the welfare of tanker drivers is severely neglected, prompting the Association to bring these issues to light.

Mr. Ampadu pointed out that although transport owners have failed to address the drivers' welfare, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has implemented a provision to support drivers by charging a 3.5 percent levy on the amount of fuel transported by each tanker.

However, he argued that these funds end up in the pockets of transport owners instead of the drivers.

He stated that if these funds were paid directly into the drivers' bank accounts, their monthly earnings could be no less than GH¢ 2,000, significantly improving their financial situation.

In response to this issue, the Association's leadership visited President Akufo-Addo to complain about the NPA's practices.

The President directed the NPA to ensure the funds are released to the drivers.

Mr. Ampadu emphasized that the funds were intended to support drivers due to their crucial role in the petroleum sector, but they have been misappropriated by transport owners.

Despite multiple efforts to rectify this situation, transport owners have been unwilling to release the funds to the drivers.

Mr. Ampadu shared these concerns during an interview on Accra-based Neat FM on Thursday, May 23, 2024.