Konadu slams Mahama over utility, fuel price hikes

President Mahama

Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, has described President Mahama as insensitive following the recent hikes in utility and fuel prices.

According to the former first lady, government’s decision to announce the increases despite the current economic challenges shows Mahama’s indifference to the plight of the average Ghanaian.

“Water has now become a privilege rather than a necessity. In the 90’s it was in abundance but now whenever water flows through the tap, it feels like Christmas, you hardly get it but you pay so much for it.There has been an increment in utility bills yet the water doesn’t flow. Things are so hard but nothing is being done about it.”

Commenting on Organised Labour’s Wednesday demonstration, she called for more of such actions to compel government to be more considerate.

“For me I support the fact that people are demonstrating against it because we have a government that has become so adamant to our woes and complaints. The President himself has said he is a dead goat , if we elected him to address our concerns but fails who then speaks for us.

“Last year was bad enough but to start this year with taxes are so bad. Any country that overtaxes its citizens overburdens them. With time they may not be able to pay anymore. The government claims it cannot develop the country when we do not pay our taxes but honestly water is life so what do we care about flyovers when we do not have potable water to drink .”

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in December 2015, increased electricity and water tariffs by 59.2 percent and 67.2 percent respectively.But the 18 to 27 % increase in petroleum products has further incensed workers’ unions who believe workers are being overburdened as salaries remain unchanged.

The situation compelled Organised Labour to stage a demonstration on Thursday to register their displeasure about the development.



Source.ghanaweb.com