The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has developed a new policy to improve fuel tanker drivers’ working conditions and remuneration nationwide.
According to the NPA’s Chief Executive, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, the draft policy, seeks to standardise the payment structure for tanker drivers, ensuring consistency and fairness. However, the policy, awaits approval from the yet-to-be-constituted Governing Board of the Authority.
Mr Tameklo, announced during an interaction with gas tanker drivers at the Quantum Terminals in Anokyi. The news was met with enthusiastic applause and visible relief from the drivers.
He explained that the NPA, already pays allowances to tanker drivers through the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) to help maintain uniform petroleum prices nationwide.
He emphasised that better remuneration would enable the drivers to adequately support their families, reduce fuel diversions, and enhance the safe transportation of petroleum products.
“If fuel tanker drivers are paid well, they will not divert petroleum products, and there will be no damage to vehicles,” Mr Tameklo said.
In response, Mr Kwame Mensah, Local Vice Chairman of the LPG Tanker Drivers Association, described the policy as welcome news. He noted that the initiative addressed long-standing drivers’ calls for better service conditions and would significantly improve their livelihoods.
Mr Mensah also expressed appreciation to the NPA on behalf of the drivers for prioritising their welfare.
Earlier in the day, Mr Tameklo visited the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant and the Gas Complex to familiarise himself with their operations. He also held discussions with key industry stakeholders.
As part of his tour, the NPA boss held separate meetings with the Western and Central Regional Security Councils, where he called for stronger collaboration between security agencies to combat fuel smuggling and its supply to illegal mining sites, known locally as galamsey.
He noted that smuggled fuel is often used to power heavy machinery at galamseysites, and cutting off this supply chain would significantly aid the government’s efforts to curb the menace.
“This will support President John Dramani Mahama’s fight against galamsey,” Mr Tameklo stated.
During his visit to the Western Region, Mr Tameklo paid a courtesy call on the Omanhen of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V.
He also called on the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, in the Central Region.