The National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association (NSSTD) has opposed a proposed 70% increase in sand and gravel loading charges by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
The Association said the proposed increase was contrary to an earlier understanding among stakeholders that any adjustment to the charges would first be discussed at a round-table meeting involving all relevant parties.
The Associtaion raised the concerns in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the National Sand and Stone and Tipper Drivers Association.
According to the NSSTD, representatives of the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Minerals Commission were present at a meeting where a verbal understanding was reached for further engagement on the matter.
In a statement, the Association called on the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the dispute from escalating.
The NSSTD also raised concerns over reports that some of its members had allegedly been assaulted and harassed by NAiMOS officers while carrying out their full duties.
It consequently urged the Minerals Commission to conduct a thorough audit of the pricing structure being imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners and ensure that charges affecting truck drivers and customers were lawful, transparent and reasonable.
The Association said it remained committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members, customers and end users, adding that it would continue to pursue lawful and peaceful avenues to challenge what it described as unfair treatment, unjustified increases, intimidation and harassment of tipper truck drivers.
The NSSTD is therefore demanding that the proposed 70% increase in sand and gravel loading charges be suspended and reviewed.
It also wants investigations into reported cases of assault, intimidation and harassment of tipper truck drivers, as well as an audit of the pricing structure imposed by NASSTTU Sand Winners.
The Association further called for measures to prevent what it described as unlawful harassment and extortion of tipper truck drivers.
It urged all stakeholders to return to the round-table discussion process to resolve the matter peacefully and fairly.
The NSSTD said dialogue, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law remained the best means of resolving the dispute.
It appealed to the authorities to act promptly in the interest of the public, tipper truck drivers, customers and the construction industry as a whole.
