Tariff increases will collapse the wood industry - Union

Kumasi, June 15, GNA - The Timber and Woodworkers Union, has protested against the recent increases in electricity and water tariffs, saying, it

would badly hurt the timber industry. A statement signed by the General Secretary, Joshua Ansah, in Kumasi said due to the industry's heavy dependence on electricity and water for its operations, the new charges would lead to the collapse of many wood companies. It said the expected rise in production cost would result in job loss es. The Union condemned the upward adjustments as unacceptable taking into account the harsh economic conditions in the country. Ghanaians, the statement noted, were already burdened with high rents, dwindling incomes and high transport fares. "What we are asking for is not free supply of electricity and water but realistic and affordable tariff increases that takes into consideration t he very low incomes of workers," it said.