Adjust Wokers’ Salaries

.....To cushion any increase in petroleum prices

THE President has tasked the Minister of Finance to work out how to raise additional revenue for a corresponding salary adjustments of workers so that any increase in petroleum prices would not be felt much. Transport and Communications Minister, Mr F. K. Owusu-Agyapong, who disclosed this in Accra yesterday, said apart from the ?3 trillion accrued debt of already consumed fuel, the country is also recording a daily deficit of ?6 billion as a result of the low petroleum prices.

Under the present difficult circumstances, he said, the realistic charges for petroleum products should range between ?13,000 and ?14,000. Mr Owusu-Agyapong, who was speaking at a meeting with Chief Executives and Editors of the state-owned media, said the decision to find ways of off-setting the rippling effects of any possible increase on Ghanaians is because the government is conscious of the already precarious financial situation of workers and the rural folk in particular. He said the meeting, which was held at the instance of the President, is to encourage the media to know more about national issues so that they can lead the people in a healthy discussion for consensus building. He noted that a public discussion on the fuel crisis is very crucial since any one-sided decision or action could have serious repercussions for the country.

According to Mr Owusu-Agyapong, besides environmental problems which may hit the country as a result of the high cost of kerosene and LPG, the tendency to adulterate fuel with its associated problems, must also be considered. He said just as the government pursues its development policies upon which the electorate voted the party to power, it would also seek inputs from members of the public and the media for a concerted effort towards development.

The Minister of State (Media Relations), Ms Elizabeth Ohene, said it is important for the media to discuss the situation in which the country finds itself with regard to fuel crisis, so that the public would be informed about the consequences of either a price increase or not. She said members of the public must, therefore, be informed so that they appreciate the circumstances and also let their views be carried across.