Let Ghanaians know the benefits of HIPC

Saltpond (C/R), April 26, GNA - The government has been urged to let the people know the benefits Ghana is enjoying under the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt relief. It should also let them know the a mount it had paid from the debts it inherited.

Some questioners at the People's Assembly at Saltpond on Monday, pointed out that since accountability was the cornerstone of good governance the government had to let Ghanaians know about the two issues.

They also urged the government to use the mitigation levy on petroleum products to cushion the effects of the recent hike in the price of fuel on the people.

The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, Mr K T Hammond, Deputy Minister for Energy, Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, District Chief Executive for Mfansteman who were at the Assembly answered questions on the cost of living, royalties from the Saltpond Oil Rig and security. They also answered questions on the activities of armed robbers, accommodation for nurses of the Saltpond Hospital, teachers' welfare and the rehabilitation of the Saltpond Ceremics Industry.

Mr Edumadze explained that the 30 per cent increment granted transport unions was not based only on the hike in the prices of petroleum products.

He said the cost of spare parts, tear and wear and an amount of profit margin were factored into the 30 per cent increase as well. The Regional Minister said there was no justification for drivers to charge fares above the 30 per cent and appealed to passengers to be bold to report drivers who charged above the approved fares. He also appealed to the Police to check fares paid by passengers. Mr Hammond disclosed that the government had made a new agreement with the company drilling oil off the coast of Saltpond and said provision had been made for the payment of royalties and urged the Chiefs to be patient and pray for the progress of the project. Mr Quainoo-Arthur said the Chinese who bought the Saltpond Ceremics had abandoned the project and said the District Assembly was looking for investors to take over the industry.

Mr Richard Anane Adabo and Mr Muniru Arafat, Upper Denkyira District Chief Executive and Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive respectively were present at the session.