Ghanian Workers Task Government over Worsening Economic Conditions

A number of public and private sector workers boycotted work on Thursday, to stage a peaceful protest in Accra, against government over what they described as worsening economic conditions.

The large number of demonstrators, who were part of nationwide demonstration were clad in red, and  amidst singing and dancing walked through some of the principal streets of Accra, before converging at the Black Stars Square, to be addressed by the leaders of organised labour.

Some of the placards they carried read: “Weak economy is job reduction - not job creation” ”Dumsor government,” and “With dum so! No Production.”

The usual thick vehicular traffic in the capital was absent as most transport operators refused to work leaving commuters stranded.

The workers called on the government to take immediate steps to ameliorate the harsh economic hardships caused by what they term as “bad government policies anchored by corruption”.

The union leaders also demanded the re-introduction of fuel subsidies, a reduction in utility tariffs, and maintenance of stable currency.

They also asked for pay increase and called on the president to purge corruption, end the dollarisation of the economy, curb rising inflation, control unbridled trade liberalisation and power outages.

There was a near clash with the heavy police personnel, when the demonstrators ignored an order not to group at Black Star Square at about 1300 hours.

(GNA)