Tariffs saga: TUC’s approach “hypocritical”, “populist” - Koomson

Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, has accused the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) of “hypocrisy” and “populism”.

“The hypocrisy of the leadership of the TUC is becoming too much,” Mr. Koomson told STRICT PROOF on Radio XYZ Tuesday evening.

He says inasmuch as the various labour groups are not in favour of the recent upward adjustment of utility tariffs, he found the “populist” approach of the TUC in calling for a downward review, worrying.

The TUC, on Tuesday, gave the Government of Ghana a 10-day ultimatum to reduce by one-third, the 78.9 percent and 52 percent increments in electricity and water tariffs, which took effect from October 1, 2013 or face the wrath of labour.

Power Generator, Volta River Authority (VRA), requested a tariff increment of 137.5%.

Power transmitter, Ghana Grid company (GRIDco), which conveys power from the VRA and other generating companies to bulk customers such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), submitted proposals for an upward tariff adjustment of 39.36 percent.

The ECG which distributes power to homes and businesses requested a 166% increase in electricity tariff across board.

The Ghana Water Company on the other hand, demanded an increase of 99.39%.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) however beat down the proposed adjustments after various meetings with the service providers.

Mr. Koomson told STRICT PROOF the approach adopted by the TUC in seeking a reduction “doesn’t make sense; its populism”.

“The approach is wrong; it’s populist. It will not help anybody. Threatening strikes is uncalled for,” he fumed.