The National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association (NSSTD) has strongly opposed a proposed 70 per cent increase in sand and gravel loading charges by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
The Association says the proposed increment is a matter of serious concern to its members, customers and other stakeholders within the construction and building materials sector.
According to the NSSTD, any adjustment to the existing loading charges should first be subjected to consultation and agreement among all relevant stakeholders.
The Association explained that it had previously agreed with stakeholders that proposed increases would be discussed at a round-table meeting in the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding and peaceful resolution.
It said representatives of the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Minerals Commission were present at a meeting where the parties reached a verbal understanding on the need to engage further on the matter.
The NSSTD, however, said the proposed 70 per cent increase has raised fresh concerns among tipper truck drivers, particularly over its potential impact on their operations and the cost of transporting sand and gravel.
The Association is therefore calling on the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a wider dispute.
It argued that an increase of such magnitude could have implications beyond truck drivers, potentially affecting customers and other businesses that depend on sand and gravel for construction activities.
The Association also expressed concern over reports that some of its members have allegedly been assaulted, intimidated or harassed while carrying out what it described as their lawful duties.
According to the NSSTD, some of the alleged incidents involve officers of the National Inter-Agency Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The Association has consequently called on the Minerals Commission to investigate the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.
It is also demanding an audit and comprehensive review of the pricing structure allegedly being imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
The NSSTD said such a review would help establish whether the charges being imposed on truck drivers and customers are justified, lawful, transparent and reasonable.
The Association further warned against what it considers arbitrary charges, intimidation and harassment, insisting that disputes within the sector should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
It maintained that it remains committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members, customers and end users of sand and gravel.
The NSSTD said it would continue to pursue all lawful and peaceful avenues to challenge what it considers unfair treatment and unjustified increases in loading charges.
Among its key demands is the immediate suspension and review of the proposed 70 per cent increase in sand and gravel loading charges.
The Association is also calling for investigations into reports of assault, intimidation and harassment involving tipper truck drivers, as well as an audit of the pricing structure imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
It further wants the authorities to take steps to ensure that all charges imposed on truck drivers and customers are lawful, transparent and reasonable, while preventing any alleged unlawful harassment or extortion.
The NSSTD is also urging all stakeholders to return to the round-table discussion process in order to find a peaceful and fair resolution to the dispute.
The Association believes that dialogue, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law remain the most effective means of resolving the disagreement.
It has therefore appealed to the relevant authorities to act promptly in the interest of tipper truck drivers, customers, the public and the wider construction industry.
Below is the Full Statement:
Sand And Stone Truck Drivers Oppose 70% Increase In Sand, Gravel Loading Charges
The National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association (NSSTD) strongly objects to the proposed 70% increase in sand and gravel loading charges by the NASSTTU Sand Winners.
It was agreed at our meeting that, in the spirit of our usual cooperation and mutual understanding, any proposed increment would first be discussed at a round-table meeting involving all relevant stakeholders.
Representatives from the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Minerals Commission were present at the meeting, where a verbal understanding was reached among the parties.
We are therefore calling on the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating further.
We are also deeply concerned about reports that some of our members have allegedly been assaulted and harassed by NAIMOS officers while carrying out their lawful duties.
We call on the Minerals Commission to conduct a thorough audit and review of the pricing structure being imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners and ensure that the public is protected from arbitrary and excessive charges.
Our organisation remains fully committed to protecting the rights and interests of our members, customers, and end users.
We will continue to pursue all lawful and peaceful avenues to challenge what we consider to be unfair treatment, unjustified increases, intimidation, and harassment of tipper truck drivers.
We respectfully call on the appropriate authorities to:
- Suspend and review the proposed 70% 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.
We believe that dialogue, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law remain the best means of resolving this matter.
We therefore urge the relevant authorities to act promptly in the interest of the public, tipper truck drivers, customers, and the construction industry as a whole.
Issued by:
NATIONAL SAND AND STONE AND TIPPER DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (NSSTD)
