Sand truck drivers threaten protest over GH₵1,000 price hike

The Greater Accra Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has issued a formal warning to the government, threatening a massive demonstration if immediate action is not taken to address a sharp 66% increase in sand prices. The association reports that the cost of a trip of sand has surged from GH₵600 to GH₵1,000 at various winning sites across the region. According to the group, this pricing change was implemented without any prior consultation with industry stakeholders, creating an immediate financial crisis for truck operators.

Vice-Chairman of the association, Abdul Momeen, stated that the sudden GH₵400 increase has left many drivers unable to work for several months. He noted that the higher costs have significantly reduced demand from customers and made daily operations unsustainable for many of his members. Beyond the financial burden, Momeen highlighted a growing trend of intimidation and harassment directed at drivers at various sites, which he says has made an already difficult operating environment nearly impossible.

The association is calling on President John Mahama to intervene directly and launch an investigation into the pricing surge and the alleged harassment of its members. They have also extended their appeal to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, urging these regulatory bodies to mediate the dispute and establish a fair, transparent pricing structure. The drivers argue that without government oversight, arbitrary price hikes by site owners will continue to destabilize the construction supply chain and lead to further job losses.

While the drivers prefer a negotiated settlement, they have made it clear that their patience is wearing thin. The association maintains that the current situation is untenable for the thousands of families dependent on the sand and stone transport business. They warned that if their grievances remain unaddressed, they will have no choice but to organize a public demonstration to register their displeasure and seek a resolution to the ongoing pricing crisis.