Business News of 2026-08-31
Tanker drivers threaten strike over deplorable roads at Kpone
Tanker drivers in Ghana have threatened to park their trucks and suspend operations within the week if the government fails to address the deplorable condition of roads around key fuel depots in the Kpone area.
The drivers say the poor road conditions, particularly along an approximately 18-kilometre stretch around the Kpone Roundabout, have created severe health and safety risks for motorists, workers and residents.
Speaking to the media on August 31, 2026, tanker driver George Nyaunu said the excessive dust generated by the unpaved roads is making drivers sick, while persistent traffic congestion could delay emergency response in the event of tanker-related fires.
Petrol, diesel and LPG prices projected to rise from September 1
“Wherever you are as a tanker driver, when you hear the whistle blow within this week, wherever you are, park your truck! The dust alone we are experiencing, we are sick! Our tanker drivers are sick!” Nyaunu said.
The drivers also raised concerns about road safety regulations that could result in drivers being sentenced to up to two years in prison following accidents, arguing that poor road conditions are often a major contributing factor to crashes.
“If you had an accident and upon inquiries, they realise the accident came from you, or the fault came from you, the driver, you'll be sentenced for two years in prison,” Nyaunu stated.
“Now, if the road condition is poor and it ends up with a driver having an accident, what are they telling the Road Minister?,” he pointed out.
Nyaunu further accused the Ministry of Roads and Highways of failing to respond adequately to repeated appeals and petitions from the drivers, compelling them to escalate the matter to the Presidency.
“When we have a challenge, we cannot go directly to the President; we will call on you,” he said, addressing the Roads Minister.
He continued, “So when we call on you and you refuse us, that's how come our letter has gone to the Presidency.”
According to the drivers, the fuel depots in the area contribute significantly to government revenue, generating between GH¢200 million and GH¢300 million weekly through petroleum taxes on petrol, diesel and LPG.
“If the government can take this revenue from this depot, then I'm expecting that these roads should be special roads, to be tarred specially,” Nyaunu said.
The drivers also expressed frustration over what they described as government inaction despite a sod-cutting ceremony held earlier in the year to signal the commencement of road rehabilitation works.
However, with August drawing to a close, they say little or no progress has been made on the ground.
“So if you are tired working, what do you do? You put your cutlasses down!” Nyaunu said.
“So we will lay our cutlasses down for the government to attend to this road, because we are suffering,” he added.
ANAS/MA
'Park your trucks if you hear a whistle blow' - George Nyaunu tells tanker drivers
