Timber workers kicks against tariffs increase

Koforidua June 15 GNA - The Eastern Regional Council of the Timber and Wood Workers Union (TWU), says the recent increase in tariffs by the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), will have a negative effect on the wood industry.

At an emergency meeting at Akyem Oda on Tuesday, the council observed that already workers in the industry are faced with high cost of living, rents, dwindling incomes and high transport fares in addition to threat of shedding the labour force.

The TWU is therefore calling for an immediate downward review of the tariffs in consultation with all stakeholders including government. A resolution signed by Mr Joshua Ansah, General Secretary of the TWU, asked the government to fulfil its obligation by recapitalising the utility companies to deliver.

It called on the government to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

Mr Ansah later told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that contrary to what many people, especially politicians would like Ghanaians to believe, there is a genuine feeling that realistic and affordable increase in tariffs is in the best interest of the public especially low income workers. He reminded the PURC that its mandate is to regulate the utility companies on behalf of government and for the people of Ghana. "The people of Ghana are saying that the tariff increases are unrealistic and unacceptable," he stressed.

Mr Ansah said the PURC seemed to have ignored the direct and indirect negative effects on consumers, on industry and on employment, adding that the increases could have serious effect on the political stability of the country. He said the possible effects of the increases would be increase in production cost, threat of reduction of labour and worsening of the already existing unemployment situation in the country. 15 June 10