The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., has expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents involving Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs) across the country.
BRVs, popularly known as fuel tanker trucks, are used for transporting and distributing fuel nationwide.
Addressing petroleum sector stakeholders during the 2026 Safety Week organized by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Accra, under the theme “Manage the Risk Before it becomes an Incident,” the NPA boss decried the recent spate of deadly road accidents caused by tanker drivers.
“If this is not a concern to any of us here, then I don’t know what else is. You may just be an innocent road user caught up in these incidents,” he said.
Mr. Tameklo highlighted a recent near-tragic crash in the Nsawam area, where a tanker veered dangerously close to a bus carrying 50 passengers, narrowly averting disaster.
Clearly worried about the situation, Mr. Tameklo said his outfit had begun discussions with the Tanker Drivers Union, Tanker Owners Union, and the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to identify the root causes of these accidents.
“Is it a case of inexperienced tanker drivers? Is it a case where owners of these tankers prefer cheap labour? Or is it that we are simply allowing just anyone to drive?” Mr. Tameklo quizzed.
He recalled that during a meeting with tanker owners, he reminded them that a single tanker costs nearly $200,000 and therefore must not be entrusted to inexperienced drivers.
“I told the Tanker Owners Union that it costs almost two hundred thousand dollars to buy one tanker. So why would you want to put that tanker in the hands of an inexperienced driver?
“That is your investment, and you have a responsibility to ensure that whoever you entrust with your tanker has the requisite experience,” he said.
According to him, petroleum products are highly inflammable. As a regulator, he has informed stakeholders that going forward, key performance indicators (KPIs) and strict checklists will be required before any new tanker is registered.
Mr. Tameklo urged the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) to collaborate with the Authority to enforce stricter regulations to rein in rogue operators.
DO I Michael Korsah, Director of Fire Safety at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), attributed the recent tanker accidents to several factors, particularly driver fatigue and carelessness.
He emphasized that such accidents are preventable and suggested that truck owners must ensure drivers take regular breaks, avoid careless driving, and get adequate rest during journeys.
He stressed that safety should not just be a slogan but a way of life.
He further advised individuals and organizations to inculcate safety practices in all aspects of daily life.
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