(SEKONDI) STMA : W/R ICU asks government to ensure reduction in utility tariffs

The Western Regional Branch of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), on Thursday called on Government to impress upon the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to reduce utility tariffs.

The Regional Chairman, Mr. Jim Petey-Djan made the call when presenting a petition on behalf of the union to Mr. David Yaro, Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council at Sekondi in the Western Region.

Earlier, members of the Union embarked upon a demonstration through the principal streets of Sekondi-Takoradi against increase in utility tariffs.

Some of the placards carried by the demonstrators read “Mr. President Industries are Collapsing”, “Mr. President, is this the Better Ghana Agenda ?” and “Mr. President we Expect Positive Response”.

Mr. Petey-Djan said that the Union was not against increase in utility tariffs but it was concerned about the level of increase.

He said that increase in tariffs should be pegged at levels that would meet the pocket of the ordinary workers and would not cause distress to industries.

Mr. Petey-Djan said that the increase has affected some industries and owners have indicated their intention to lay off workers.

Mr. Yaro assured the Union that the petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authority.

He commended the Union for conducting a peaceful demonstration and said that government was concerned about the increase.

GNA