The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on Thursday declared its support for the Ghana Trades Union Congress and called on government to reduce the recent increase in utility tariffs.

GNAT, a very prominent member of Organized Labour in Ghana, said its members fully support and would participate in all activities organized with the view to reduce the hardship that has been inflicted on its members as a result of the recent increases in water and electricity tariffs.

A statement signed by Madam Irene Duncan-Adanusa, GNAT General Secretary, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said whilst GNAT was not averse to increases in tariffs for these essential services, it found it difficult to accept the rates of increases announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission when viewed against the backdrop that public service salaries was increased by only 10 per cent for 2013.

It said the schedule for payment of the arrears from January to August 2013 has still not been concluded.

“There is no way that our members can accommodate such huge increases; we advocate for gradual increases in line with what has been suggested by Organized Labour.

“Anything short of that will be resisted fiercely to enable our members to stay afloat in these difficult times.

“We appeal to government to listen to the voices of the people to ensure industrial harmony which is needed for political and economic stability,” the statement said.