Minister justifies increases in prices of petroleum products

Koforidua, Dec. 31, GNA - Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Eastern Regional Minister, has explained that the recent increases in petroleum products were necessary for the Government to avoid another Tema Oil Refine debt and its accompanying economic challenges.

He said the increases were necessary for the Government to fully recover the cost of oil, so that it could generate funds for development projects such as construction and maintenance of roads in the country.

Dr Apea-Kubi was addressing commercial transport owners and drivers at the Kumasi Lorry Park in Koforidua on Saturday.

He advised drivers to repair their vehicles when they develop faults to avoid accidents.

Dr Apea-Kubi expressed Government's appreciation to the drivers in the region for handling increases in the petroleum products such that it did not result in misunderstanding between drivers and passengers.

Later, the Regional Minister companied by the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Alex Asamoah, inspected work on the Koforidua-Accra Lorry Park.

Mr Asamoah expressed the hope that the lorry park project would be completed by the end of the first quarter of next year.

He said plans were underway for the reconstruction of the Koforidua Zamlama line and the yam market area.

Alhaji Nurudeen Abubakar, Union Chairman of the Koforidua-Kumasi Mini Bus branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, appealed to the assembly to provide security lights at the lorry park.

GNA