AFAG to embark on demonstration against increases in tariffs

Accra, June 3, GNA - Members of Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), a political pressure group, on Thursday announced their intention to embark on a massive demonstration to protest against the recent increases in utility tariffs.

They expressed concern about the 'insensitivity' of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government to the plight of the already sufferi ng Ghanaians with the recent increases in utility prices under the excuse of

meeting the production costs of service providers.

A statement issued in Accra on Thursday and signed by some of the leaders, Mr Arnold Boateng, Mr Henry Haruna Asante, Mr James Kwabena Bomf eh Junior and Mr Samuel Awuku called on well-meaning Ghanaians including students unions, faith-based organisations and civil society organisation to join the demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, in Kumasi. AFAG reiterated the call by Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Ghana Chamber of Mines to protest against

the tariff increases and asked other bodies "not to sit down unconcerned when government takes us for granted".

The statement said the excessive increase in utility tariffs in the midst of the current economic hardships was untenable, adding; "The Ghana ian is already suffering too much of what AFAG would call 'tax epidemic' in t he country". It said in spite of the economic problems, government could only provide 10 per cent increase in wages across board as against hikes in fu el price, toll booth fees, goods and services, 14 per cent average inflation , 29 per cent depreciation of the cedi and interest rates hovering around 3 0 per cent. The statement said the introduction of GH¢48 million to subsidise 0-50 unit consumers "is a prank" since it would capture an insignificant secti on of the populace.

"Consumers living in compound houses whose cumulative consumption exceeds the prescribed 50 units and the target group would not benefit fr om the life-line package," it added. 3 June 10