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25.07.2014 Social News

Eastern Region workers demonstrate against high cost of living

By GNA
TUC Workers DemostrTUC Workers Demostr
25.07.2014 LISTEN

Koforidua (E/R), July 24, GNA - Over 400 workers of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the Eastern Region on Thursday demonstrated through the principal streets of Koforidua as part of the nationwide demonstration organized by the TUC to protest against the high cost of living.

The demonstration was organized under the theme 'yere bre, amammuo bone ne asetena bone''.

As early as 0700 hours the workers gathered at the Koforidua offices of the State Insurance Company (SIC) where the regional office of the TUC is located with placards.

From the SIC office the workers went through the principal streets of Koforidua and ended at the Koforidua Jacksons Park where they presented an eight- point petition to government which was received by the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Ms Mavis Ama Frimpong.

Some of the inscription on the placards were, ''Ghanaians need the gas pipeline now, Mr President'', 'President Mahama times are really hard for workers and their families'', ''why can't we afford three square meals a day'' and ''Oh Mahama Aden''.

The petition called on the government to immediately take action to halt the depreciation of the cedi and the rising cost of living.

It also called on the government to review the prices of petroleum products and to immediately take effective measures to ensure that Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) operate at full capacity.

The petition urged the government to immediately take action to address the widespread perception of corruption in high offices and to prosecute all persons against whom corruption is established.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the President,    Ms Mavis Ama Frimpong commended workers for their contribution towards the economic development of the country.

She said the government admitted the country was facing economic difficulties and that this was normal for a country moving from a developing economy to a middle income economy.

The Deputy Regional Minister said it was time for the country to come together to dialogue for everyone to contribute to the development of the country.

Speaking to the GNA in an interview, Mr George Sakyi, a demonstrator from Akim Oda, pleaded with the government to look at the plight of    workers adding that the salaries of workers were not enough and taxes took a substantial part of it.

Mr Seth Afa Amani, a demonstrator, also expressed his displeasure with the routes given to them by the police which made the demonstration time very short.

GNA EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE

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