He explained that if the Trade Union Congress had intervened early, there would have been a marginal decrease in the prices of fuel products and transport fares. He further expressed his resentment over the uproar from the union for government to restore the subsidies on fuel.
Prices of petroleum products together with transport fares increased last year following the directives by the governing party. Subsidies on fuel were removed and prices shot up by 20%.
The Trade Union Congress negotiated with government for the restoration of the fuel subsidies to cushion Ghanaians against the harsh conditions of living. Members of the union threatened to embark on a nationwide demonstration if the fuel prices are not drastically reduced. Upon further negotiations with government agencies, the Trade Union’s call seems to yield fruit as the government has agreed to slash the fuel price increases by 20%.
Though several Ghanaians would be pleased with the sudden intervention by the TUC, the Chairman of the Road Coordination Council, Matthew Hayford, has frantically hinted that transport fares are unlikely to be reduced.
According to the Chairman, the price reduction of petroleum products will not affect the high margin in transport fares.
Hon. Nii Amasa who spoke to X fm on the Big Bite show on Tuesday lauded the government for the initial fuel price increment stressing that the nation will be devoid of any future fuel complications.
He said that TUC’s call on the government to reduce fuel prices stemmed from the recent upheaval in Nigeria. He therefore insisted that no action would have been taken against the government if the Nigerian citizenry had not fiercely protested against the fuel price hikes in their country.
“The TUC was in Ghana here when the transport fares were increased. They sat down, they said nothing; did nothing at that time until Nigeria started demonstration. So, when they saw the Nigeria spring [I will use that word], then they said that: Oh, why are we sitting down? Let us also do something because before all these things, there will be consultations here and there. So, [me] I see the Ghana TUC as a lame dog, they follow what other people will be doing.”
He wondered why the TUC did not act similarly during the previous administration by former President Kufour. To him, under the Kufour-led government, fuel price increases were astronomical but the posture of the TUC was indifferent as compared to President Mills’ administration.
He added that the TUC seeks to coerce the government due to their political affiliations and biases.
Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana
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