The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union is calling on the Inspector General of Police to caution his men to desist from attacking tanker drivers on the highways.
The angry group raised concern over recent smashing of windscreens and injuring of drivers for not stopping for convoys to pass.
But the drivers stated, the nature of product they carry does not allow for them to make sudden stops.
“We carry hazardous loads in thousands of litres and the nature of our vehicles is such that, we cannot make an instantaneous stop or even just stop anywhere. So in much as we respect the convoy, we cannot compromise on safety. So, the outriders should also understand and not rush in attacking drivers unnecessarily”, Ashanti Regional Chairman of Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, Edmund Baba indicated.
On Wednesday, October 16, a Bulk Road Vehicle (BRV)loaded with 54,000 litres of diesel from Tema heading to Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) depot in Kumasi had its windscreen smashed by a police dispatch rider, upon reaching Kwahu Hwidiem.
The rider is said to have allegedly hit the vehicle with a stone for not stopping to allow a ministerial convoy to pass.
The driver of the tanker was injured in the process with blood stains on his face.
This, incident, according to the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union is one of four in recent times.
The Union laments, such unfortunate action is likely to cause a major accident.
“The driver was only fortunate to have suffered the injury on his forehead. If the stone had hit his eye whilst in motion, what do you think would’ve happened? And we all know how hazardous product can react. This should not be tolerated in any form”, Mr Baba said in an angry tone.
The Union wants the IGP to call his men to order or leave the drivers with no choice than to find a way of protecting themselves.
“We cannot allow law enforcers to rather be doing things contrary to the law. We will defend ourselves with every available means if the IGP does not act now”.
The Police is yet to officially respond to the concerns of the drivers.
Source:
3news.com
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