The leadership of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union (GTPCW) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has initiated legal action against Mr. George Nyaunu of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union for allegedly misrepresenting himself as GTPCW’s representative on the governing board of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

According to court filings, the GTPCW is seeking an injunction to prevent Mr. Nyaunu from being sworn in or participating in any board meetings as a representative of the Union.

The Union insists that it officially nominated its National Chairman, Mr. Bernard Owusu—who also serves as the National Chairman of the TUC—for the board position.

The nomination was submitted to the Presidency, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.

To the Union’s dismay, President John Mahama nominated Mr. Nyaunu instead for the yet-to-be-inaugurated board.

This decision has sparked controversy and discontent within the GTPCW, prompting the Union to seek redress through the courts.

The ongoing legal tussle threatens to delay the swearing-in of the new NPA board, potentially hampering the Authority’s strategic decision-making processes.

The situation has also triggered growing tension between factions of tanker drivers—some aligned with Mr. Nyaunu and others backing Mr. Owusu—resulting in reported disruptions in the supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

While some industry observers argue that Mr. Owusu’s previous service on the board warrants fresh leadership, others are skeptical of Mr. Nyaunu’s appointment, accusing him of aligning too closely with the NPA at the expense of workers’ interests.

In light of the brewing crisis, there are increasing calls for the government to consider appointing a neutral and competent figure from the downstream sector—someone well-versed in the challenges confronting petroleum worker unions and capable of advancing the collective interests of all parties on the NPA board