University Students to join organized labour demo

The University Students Association of Ghana says it is joining a planned street protest in support of organized labour call for reduction in utility tariffs and fuel prices.

Government recently introduced an Energy Sector Levy which has caused an upsurge in the prices of petroleum products in addition to utility tariff hikes.

There are concerns about no corresponding increases in public sector salaries amid public outcry and push for government to withdraw the levies.

President of USAG, Henry Nkosuo Boakye, explained to Luv FM the situation will affect cost of living on the campuses.

“Once there are massive increments, it is likely to affect the cost of living on campuses”. Mr. Boakye explained.

Another concern is that of a 25 per cent corporate tax slapped on private tertiary institutions.
The University Students Association of Ghana wants government to scrap taxes imposed on education.

“If government will tax anything to get revenue, it should not be on education so we want government to scrap off”. He intimated.

The association has a membership population of about four hundred thousand across the country.

Mr. Boakye says members of USAG are unable to take full responsibilities in the face of rising school fees, some students are forced to defer their courses or abandon university for good.

The Trades Union Congress has announced series of industrial action, including demonstration and strike effective January 20 to 22.

According to him, various students unions are being mobilized for the nationwide protest.

As at press time Tuesday, leadership have been busily holding national executive meeting as part of plans to mobilize students in using appropriate channels and making them join Wednesday’s organised labour’s all-inclusive demonstrations.

Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS) and Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) are other student unions that have expressed support to join, according to USAG.