Demonstrations are gradually losing impact – Lecturer

Demonstrators in the Western Region are upset with the regional Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo and his deputy, Alfred Ekow Gyan, for failing to receive their petition after Wednesday protests.

According to the demonstrating workers, the minister and his deputy were served notice of their intended petition after Wednesday’s action but failed to show up at their offices.

Speaking Wednesday on Adom FM’s “Burning Issues” programme hosted by Afia Pokua, the Western Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ellis Ankomah said the workers find the minister’s action unfortunate.

“The demonstrators weren’t happy about disappearance of the minister and his deputy”, he said.

Chief Director of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Solomon Asiedu, received the petition on behalf of the regional minister.

“The regional coordinating director told us that the regional minister and his deputy are attending another event”, Mr Ankomah said.

On Wednesday, thousands of public sector workers across the country hit the streets to protest the hikes in utility and fuel prices.

The protesters want government to reverse the recent increases in utility tariffs and petroleum prices.

They are also unhappy about the new taxes they say have brought undue pressure on them and their families.

The demonstration is expected to be followed by a nationwide strike on January 21 and 22.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of Trades Union Congress (TUC) Kofi Asamoah says if government fails to meet demands by the workers, a series of industrial action will continue.