Clergyman condemns increases in prices of commodities

Senfi (Ash), Feb 20, GNA - A clergyman has vehemently condemned and described as unjustifiable, the arbitrary increases in prices of commodities and consumable items by some recalcitrant traders soon after presentation of the 2004 budget statement to the nation.

Bishop Kofi Osei-Owusu, leader of the Harris Church of Ghana said the price hikes in respect of some commodities were unjustified and entirely unacceptable since the budget did not increase prices of commodities neither has there been any government directive to that effect.

Bishop Osei-Owusu was addressing members of the church to climax activities marking the first anniversary of his enthronement as Bishop and leader of the church in Ghana at Senfi near Asante-Bekwai on Thursday.

The celebration was attended by members of the church drawn from all the 45 branches in the country including some delegates from Cote D'Ivoire.

Bishop Osei-Owusu stressed, "traders in fairness to the government and Ghanaians should have rather considered reducing their prices or at worse maintaining the original prices in view of the fact that the government even granted various tax relief and in some cases tax reductions especially in the business arena".

He appealed to the government not to look indifferent to the unhealthy practice but swiftly initiate bold measures to check the practice before such unpatriotic traders erode the immense benefits and relief to be derived from the budget by Ghanaians.

Bishop Osei-Owusu also commended the government for the increase in cocoa producer price, which genuinely demonstrate its recognition to contribution of farmers of the country to growth of the economy. "The only way farmers can also reciprocate this kind gesture of government is for them to resolve to expose any farmer attempting to smuggle the commodity to neighbouring countries", he added.

Mr Karikari Mensah, General Secretary of the church, advised all eligible Ghanaians to see registration of their names as voters as a civic responsibility and should therefore turn out in their numbers to register when the exercise starts in March.

Mr Peter Kwame Adu-Donkor, National President of the church, urged Christians to devote ample time for intensive prayers for peace in the country since peace was crucial not only for the elections but also for smooth operation of churches and development in all forms in the country.