Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Kweku Baako Jnr. has called for a mass action against Utility Service Providers in the country over the new utility tariff adjustments.
Kweku Baako Jnr., addressing the issue on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", bemoaned the providers and Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC's) inability to offer adequate explanation and reasons for the new tariff hikes.
According to him, the posture taken by the service providers should not be encouraged nor accepted describing their explanations as complete lack of respect for its consumers.
He therefore implored Ghanaians to remonstrate against the service providers and ensure that they offer the requisite services to its consumers.
In an attempt to rally mass support behind him, Kweku Baako Jnr.was alarmed by the calm demeanor of and patience expressed by consumers and the general public at large on several issues pertaining to the PURC.
The PURC yesterday increased utility tariffs for the fourth quarter of 2014. Electricity and water tariffs have shot up by 6.45 and 4.54 percent respectively.
The Commission explained that the increments have been necessitated due to the challenges faced with the erratic nature of gas from Nigeria.
In July 2014, electricity tariff went up by 6.1 percent while water tariff was increased by 12 percent.
It indicated that the tariff increase has become necessary because the Commission plans to streamline the energy sector and the impact of the country's dependence on crude oil. The Commission intends to resolve the electricity and water situation in the country.
Though the PURC managed to support their action with reasons, the seasoned journalist and socio-economic analyst registered his displeasure with utility service providers for failing to provide better services to the consumers, yet increase utility tariffs to the detriment of the consumers.
To him, the Commission has over the months been giving similar reasons consistently whenever it increased tariffs but fails to achieve any meaningful results to resolve the erratic energy crises confronting Ghanaians.
“The PURC and utility providers have given these reasons over and over again and nothing has happened, a civil action is a direct response to the disrespect being portrayed and every one must come on board for us to take this action”.
Making propositions to effect changes in the energy sector, Mr. Baako insisted his call for civil action will help send the right message to the Commission and especially the service providers, but was however quick to warn people to desist from any illegal activity against the government.
“We are human. Look at the psychology of it. So, some people are playing with fire. Ghanaians, we are a very very patient people…but if it’s abused beyond some boundaries; one of these fine days, early morning, we might have something. I am restraining myself so that I’m not misunderstood...So, maybe a signal, civil society activism should be raised to a higher level," he stressed. |
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