A group of Ghanaians calling themselves ‘Concerned Ghanaians for Responsible Governance’ are expected to picket in front of the Flagstaff House on Tuesday, July 1 to protest against what they describe as harsh economic conditions in the country.
The group says the current energy crisis; charges on financial services coupled with the shortage of petrol in the country are unacceptable.
They are therefore demanding better management from government.
The Convener of the group, Nana Akwesi Awuah told Citi News, picketing at the seat of government is only aimed at forcing President John Mahama to better the lives of Ghanaians.
“We feel that we will be better heard at the doorsteps of power than anywhere else,” he said.
According to him, the hardships Ghanaians are experiencing is “escalating by the day and so the attention of the President should be drawn to the plight of Ghanaians.
July 1 is Ghana’s Republic Day and Mr. Awuah is of the opinion that it is the best day to make their concerns known.
There was an expected increment in the prices of petroleum products on July 1 by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was also scheduled to begin the implementation of the 17.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) charges on non-core financial services.
The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased the prices of electricity and water to 30% and 14% respectively effective July 1.
These developments among others are the basis for which the group is calling on Ghanaians to protest in front of the Flagstaff House on Tuesday.
But the NPA has announced there will be no increment in fuel prices for about a week.
The government has ordered the GRA to halt the implementation of the 17.5% VAT charges.
But the Ghanaians are still expected to pay more for electricity and water.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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