The National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association (NSSTD) has rejected a proposed 70% increase in sand and gravel loading charges by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
The association said the proposed increase is unacceptable and called on the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the dispute from escalating.
In a communiqué issued on Friday, the NSSTD said a meeting involving stakeholders had agreed that any proposed increase in loading charges should first be subjected to discussions at a round-table meeting.
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The communiqué was signed by Anthony Mensah, Public Relations Officer of the NSSTD, and Alhaji Kowanaso, Regional Vice Chairman of the association in Tema.
According to the association, representatives of the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Minerals Commission were present at the meeting, where a verbal understanding was reached among the parties.
The NSSTD said it was therefore concerned about the reported move to implement the 70% increase without what it described as adequate stakeholder engagement.
“We therefore call on the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating further,” the association said.
The tipper drivers also raised concerns over reports that some of its members had allegedly been assaulted and harassed by NAIMOS officers while carrying out their duties.
They called on the Minerals Commission to conduct a thorough audit and review of the pricing structure being imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
It said such an exercise is necessary to ensure that truck drivers, customers and other end users were protected from what it described as arbitrary and excessive charges.
The association maintained that it remained committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members, customers and end users.
It also said 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.
The NSSTD appealed to the relevant authorities to suspend and review the proposed 70% increase in sand and gravel loading charges.
It is also demanding an investigation into reports of alleged assault, intimidation and harassment of tipper drivers.
The association further wants an audit of the pricing structure imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners and is calling for all charges imposed on truck drivers and customers to be lawful, transparent and reasonable.
It urged authorities to take appropriate measures to prevent what it described as the unlawful harassment and extortion of tipper truck drivers.
The NSSTD wants all stakeholders to return to the round-table discussion process to resolve the dispute peacefully and fairly.
The association said dialogue, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law remain the best means of resolving the matter.
It urged the relevant authorities to act promptly, warning that the issue could have implications for tipper truck drivers, customers and the wider construction industry if not addressed.