National Sand, Stone and Tipper Drivers Association oppose 70% increase in sand and gravel loading charges

NSSTD Calls for Immediate Intervention

The National Sand, Stone and Tipper Drivers Association (NSSTD) has strongly opposed a proposed 70 percent increase in sand and gravel loading charges by NASSTTU Sand Winners, describing the increment as unfair and excessive.

The association says the proposed increase could place an additional financial burden on tipper truck drivers, customers and other players within the construction industry.

Association Demands Round-Table Discussions

According to the NSSTD, any proposed adjustment to loading charges should first be discussed and agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders.

The association said a meeting was held in the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, during which representatives of the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Minerals Commission were present.

The NSSTD said a verbal understanding was reached at the meeting that the matter would be addressed through a round-table discussion involving the relevant parties.

It is therefore calling on the appropriate authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the disagreement from escalating.

Allegations of Assault and Harassment

The association has also raised concerns over reports that some of its members have allegedly been assaulted, intimidated and harassed by NAIMOS officers while carrying out what it describes as their lawful duties.

The NSSTD is calling on the Minerals Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and review the pricing structure being imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners.

The association argues that such a review is necessary to ensure that truck drivers, customers and the general public are protected from what it considers arbitrary and excessive charges.

NSSTD Pledges Lawful Action

The association said it remains committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members, customers and end users.

It stressed that it would continue to pursue lawful and peaceful avenues to challenge what it considers unfair treatment, unjustified increases, intimidation and harassment of tipper truck drivers.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

The NSSTD is therefore calling on the relevant authorities to:

• Suspend and review the proposed 70 percent increase in sand and gravel loading charges.
• Investigate reports of assault, intimidation and harassment of tipper truck drivers.
• Conduct an audit of the pricing structure imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
• Ensure that all charges imposed on truck drivers and customers are lawful, transparent and reasonable.
• Take appropriate measures to prevent the unlawful harassment and extortion of tipper truck drivers.
• Ensure that all stakeholders return to the round-table discussion process to resolve the matter peacefully and fairly.

Appeal for Peaceful Resolution

The association believes that dialogue, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law remain the best means of resolving the dispute.

It has consequently urged the relevant authorities to act promptly in the interest of the public, tipper truck drivers, customers and the construction industry as a whole.

The statement was issued by the National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association (NSSTD).

Mr. Anthony Mensah
P.R.O., National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association
0244 528 284 / 0204 179 256

Alhaji Kowanaso
Regional Vice Chairman, National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers – Tema
0248 999 945