Ashanti workers call for ultimatum to government

Kumasi, Jan. 18, GNA – Workers in Ashanti have asked the leadership of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to give government a week ultimatum to restore subsidies on petroleum products.

The workers at an emergency meeting in Kumasi pledged to support any line of action taken by their leaders to force the government to rescind the decision.

There should not be any feet dragging and that there should be clear and powerful message that the TUC meant serious business, they said.

The meeting was held at the instance of the Kumasi District Council of Labour and was attended by representatives from all the affiliated unions.

The workers complained that their situation had been worsened by the removal of the subsidies and its rippling effect on transportation and the price of goods and services.

The astronomical price increases combined with the upward adjustment of school fees, utilities and rent had brought untold hardships and putting much stress on them.

Speaker after speaker called for urgent action by the TUC leadership to mobilize and act in concert with other civil society groups to bring more pressure on the President Mills' Administration.

Mr Joshua Ansah, General Secretary of the Timber and Wood Workers Union (TWWU), earlier appealed to them to rise above partisan politics and pull together to fight for their welfare.

He said the leadership of the TUC was deeply concerned about the harsh impact of the removal of the subsidies on workers and their families.

The meeting was part of the on-going consultations and to consider the options to force a climb down by government.

Nana Yaw Manu, National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), said the increase in the price of petroleum products was crippling the transport business.

Mr Omane Agyekum, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the TUC, urged the participants to inform their colleagues at the work place on the decision taken in order to mobilize their support towards the struggle ahead.