NewzThe deplorable condition of the 7.2-kilometre Valco Roundabout-Kpone Junction road in Tema has worsened significantly, with residents, motorists and petroleum tanker drivers expressing growing frustration over the failure to complete the long-promised rehabilitation of the critical industrial corridor. As of August 30, 2026, there is little visible evidence of ongoing construction on the stretch, despite repeated assurances from authorities that the road would be fixed. The deteriorating road has become a major nightmare for motorists, particularly tanker and truck drivers who depend on the route to transport petroleum products and other cargo from the Tema industrial enclave to different parts of the country.
Motorists say a journey that should ordinarily take less than 30 minutes can now take more than three hours, particularly during periods of heavy congestion. The situation has also resulted in frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased maintenance costs and growing concerns about road safety. Tanker drivers threaten strike The latest development has heightened fears of another sit-down strike by members of the Ghana Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union.
The drivers have previously taken industrial action over the condition of the road and are warning that they could be forced to do so again if authorities fail to address their concerns. National Chairman of the Ghana Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, George Nyaunu, has expressed concern about the prolonged deterioration of the road and questioned how long authorities expect contractors to take to complete the project. The drivers argue that their concerns go beyond inconvenience because they transport highly inflammable petroleum products along the route.
They say the poor road increases the risk of accidents involving tankers, with potentially devastating consequences for motorists, residents and businesses in the area. According to the drivers, roads used to transport petroleum products from Tema to destinations including Takoradi, Kumasi and Buipe are also in poor condition. Three-hour journey The Valco-Kpone road is heavily used by tankers, container trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Its deteriorating condition has severely affected traffic flow, with vehicles forced to manoeuvre around deep potholes and damaged sections. Some trucks frequently break down along the stretch, further reducing the already li… The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has threatened to embark on a sit-down strike over the deplorable condition of the road stretching from the Valco Roundabout through the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to Kpone.
The union says the poor state of the road has made operations increasingly difficult, despite the route serving several major industrial facilities and being critical to the movement of petroleum products. Speaking to the media, Chairman of the union, George Nyawunu, said the stretch serves more than eight loading depots, including Sentuo, as well as several warehouses. According to him, a contract for the construction of the road was first awarded in 2008 but was later abandoned.
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