Organised Labour proceeds with nation-wide demo

Europa 06:52 - 15 January 2016

This follows government's refusal to reduce an increase in taxes and utility tariffs at a meeting between the two bodies on Thursday.

Organised Labour has said it will go ahead with its planned two-day nationwide demonstration which is expected to be held on January 19 and 20.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in December 2015, increased electricity and water tariffs by 59.2 percent and 67.2 percent respectively.

Government also rejected a request by the labour unions for the controversial energy sector levy to be scrapped.

The levy has resulted in a 28% increase in prices of petroleum products.

General Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, said the most important issue disturbing workers is the petroleum levy.

“What drove the camel’s back is when we had started engaging them on the PURC decision on electricity and water tariffs, we met once and it was an inconclusive meeting. It was adjourned to the 12 [of January] then they [government] came out with this fuel levy. It was an indirect way of telling us that ‘look even though we are meeting with you, you can go to hell,’” he told Accra-based Joy FM.

Mr. Koomson added that plans for the said demonstrations and nation-wide strike will be firmed up Friday.