A group of Ghanaians calling themselves \u2018Concerned Ghanaians for Responsible Governance\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
The group says the current energy crisis; charges on financial services coupled with the shortage of petrol in the country are unacceptable.<\/p>\n
They are therefore demanding better management from government.<\/p>\n
The Convener of the group, Nana Akwesi Awuah told Citi New<\/strong>s, picketing at the seat of government is only aimed at forcing President John Mahama to better the lives of Ghanaians.<\/p>\n \u201cWe feel that we will be better heard at the doorsteps of power than anywhere else,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n According to him, the hardships Ghanaians are experiencing is \u201cescalating by the day and so the attention of the President should be drawn to the plight of Ghanaians.<\/p>\n July 1 is Ghana\u2019s Republic Day and Mr. Awuah is of the opinion that it is the best day to make their concerns known.<\/p>\n There was an expected increment in the prices of petroleum products on July 1 by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased the prices of electricity and water to 30% and 14% respectively effective July 1.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n But the NPA has announced there will be no increment in fuel prices for about a week.<\/p>\n The government has ordered the GRA to halt the implementation of the 17.5% VAT charges.<\/p>\n But the Ghanaians are still expected to pay more for electricity and water.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By: Efua Idan Osam\/citifmonline.com\/Ghana
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