MP calls for reduction of fuel prices

Accra, March 3, GNA - Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya-Sekyere West, on Tuesday expressed the hope that there would be good news on Thursday when the budget is presented to Parliament by an announcement of fuel price reduction. He said fuel prices have come down considerably and therefore the NDC government should live up to expectation through its campaign promises to cut down on prices by dealing with the tax element involved. The MP was contributing to the debate on the President's sessional address on the floor of the House.

Mr Kan-Dapaah urged the NDC government to ensure that Ghanaians were not short changed in reaping from the benefits of the oil discovery. He said the oil revenue should lead to the reduction of poverty and fast track national development. He commended President Mills for pledging to fix a regulatory framework for managing oil revenues and a local content policy where Ghanaians would be able to participate in oilfield support services, among others.

The MP also touched on security issues and said government must stay out of the day-to-day operations of the military. He said both sides of the House were also prepared to work with government to resolve the Bawku conflict. Mr Gabriel Essilfie, NDC MP for Shama, in his contributions, criticized the NPP government for over spending for the past eight years.

He said while the NPP took issues over previous governments borrowing to construct road and provide other infrastructure, the NPP within their eight years of rule, borrowed not only to develop but to indulge in wasteful expending such as the celebration of the Ghana @ 50, the national awards ceremonies and the construction of the Golden Jubilee House. Mr Willam Ofori Boafo, NPP MP for Akropong, touched on the need for government to extend the automation programme of the judiciary to the district courts to fast track trials. Mr. Kobla Mensah Woyome, NDC MP for South Tongu, urged the House of take into consideration the call of President Mills on Parliament to build consensus in deliberations on executive and other businesses to being about national unity and development. 03 March 09