Consumers Threaten 'Demo'

Consumers in the country have threatened to embark on a nationwide demonstration to press home their demands for improved service delivery.

This is in view of poor service delivery from service providers coupled with the water and electricity crises that have hit the country.

Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), a non-governmental organization that is leading the campaign, says it members and the general Ghanaian public will not hesitate to take to the streets to demonstrate their displeasure.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CPA, Kofi Kapito, therefore asked government and service providers to 'deliver water, electricity and LPG 24/7, 365 days in the year.'

In a statement, the CPA called for respect of the basic rights of consumers in the whole country because 'in Ghana, the basic right of the consumer is not respected.'

Over the last six months, Ghanaians have endured erratic supply of electricity and water.

After 56 years of independence, CPA insisted that 'the basic logistics for the survival of the people and Ghana as a country is not available.'

President John Mahama indicated that the current water and energy crises had burdened the economy and reiterated government's commitment to collaborate with the utility companies to overcome the challenges in the shortest time.

He also promised that the crisis would be over by the end of April.

However, he said service providers seem not to be following their own timetable for the resolution of the problems.

Former President John Agyekum Kufour also urged government to seek help from Ghana's neighbours to solve the current water and power crises because the deadline set by President Mahama and the service providers to end the problem was almost due.

 By Daniela Pruegel