Retired Educationist ask gov’t to justify hikes in tariff

Rtd  Educationist, Robert Ajeni

Recent increase in utility hikes by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has sparked mixed reactions from consumers. The latest to add his voice to the issue is a retired Educationist in the Upper East Region, Robert Ajeni, who is of the opinion that salaries of workers ought to be increased before any intended adjustment in public utility prices. He said majority of Ghanaians are going through trying times considering the current economic hardship which, he lamented had affected the wellbeing of public sector workers whose salaries, he further noted was nothing to write home about. According to him, frequent hikes in utility tariffs, coupled with fuel increment was likely to deepen the plight of the ordinary citizen, particularly pensioners and retired educationists. He said in as much as government wants to put the economy on track, it has to also consider the prevailing condition of workers and come out with corresponding adjustment in wages, salaries and pensions. Anything short of that, he explained could spell doom for Ghanaians. Mr Ajeni asked government through the PURC to expedite action by reversing the recent utility hikes. Whilst appealing for a reduction in tariff hikes, Mr Ajeni, urged government to as a matter of expediency, consider increasing the monthly benefits of pensioners to enable them survive the country’s prevailing economic conditions. Pensioners, he observed would find it difficult to survive given the meager monthly pension paid to them. He also asked for an improvement in the quality of service by the utility agencies since businesses were being greatly affected by their poor service delivery. For him, service providers are supposed to justify any increment in tariffs because businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry are gradually collapsing whilst others have been grounded to a halt. This is because owners of such businesses cannot afford to pay more whilst people refuse to patronize their establishments. Mr Ajeni, described the situation as worrying and called on the authorities concern to consider their woes and adhere to their plea. 

GBC                                                            END                                                              IA/