The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has suspended its sit-down strike but given government one month to show concrete and measurable progress towards rehabilitating roads serving key petroleum depots across the country.

The drivers will resume loading and normal operations from Friday, September 4, following interventions by the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).

The Union, however, warned that the suspension is temporary and that failure by government to act within the one-month window will trigger a return to industrial action.

“Should Government fail to demonstrate visible and measurable progress within the one-month period, the Unions will be compelled to resume industrial action, including a prolonged sit-down strike,” the Union said.

The drivers began the sit-down strike on Wednesday, September 2, after weeks of pressure on government over what they described as dangerous and deteriorating roads along major petroleum supply routes.

They had earlier issued government a two-week ultimatum to address the roads before commencing the action.

The strike affected tanker operations at key loading points, including the Tema industrial area.

The Union has specifically raised concerns about the road from the Valco Roundabout in Tema to Kpone Junction, as well as roads within the Takoradi and Buipe depot enclaves.

It described the routes as critical national economic corridors and said their poor condition poses serious safety and health risks to tanker drivers, workers and other road users.

The drivers also claim that activities facilitated by the roads generate about GH¢300 million in tax revenue for government every week.

Despite suspending the strike, the Union said its demands remain unchanged and expects government to take immediate steps to fast-track the rehabilitation and completion of the affected roads.

The one-month deadline now puts government under pressure to demonstrate visible progress before the drivers decide whether to resume the prolonged strike.