The Industrial Commercial Workers Union (ICU) will this morning embark on a nationwide demonstration against the recent increases in utility tariffs. But government says it finds the stance of the ICU disappointing and a breach of faith.

In a statement signed by the Minister for Information on Thursday July 29, John Tia Akologu described the intended demonstration as unnecessary, unwarranted and one that smacks of motives other than fighting for workers of Ghana.

“While government recognises that demonstrations are means for people to express themselves, the ICU demonstration as all Ghanaians will appreciate can be described as one that lacks merit.”

Mr. Akologu argued that government in furtherance of its commitment to bettering the lives of Ghanaians has over the period engaged positively with the leadership of the labour unions, industry and employers and outlined a clear roadmap towards addressing what it considered genuine concerns from Ghanaians.

“That commitment resulted in various high level consultations that both the Trades Union Congress (TUC) which represents the interests of workers and also Employers have all confirmed as commendable. What then does the ICU seek to achieve when government has already announced that it will be meeting with the TUC and captains of industry to announce its intervention?” the statement asked.

Government had after high-level consultations called a meeting for today July 29, with labour and industry to announce its decision after considering their concerns.

In the view of government, the ICU action lacks merit and is most unfortunate because it is coming at a time that all indications point to a favourable government announcement. Government had previously appealed to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the utility companies to look into the concerns of consumers with a view to helping mitigate the effects of the recent increment.

But the General Secretary of ICU Gilbert Awinogya has told Citi News the leaders of the country only appear to respond to demonstrations.

He said there are complaints from workers about the unbearable tariffs and hoped the demonstration will force the Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the government to listen and react to their concerns.

Gilbert Awinongya however assured that the nationwide demonstration will be “very peaceful”.

‘‘It is aimed at letting the government know the impact of the existing tariff hikes, citing the rate at which workers are being laid off by industries as an effect’’ he said.

He called on all who have been affected by the increase in utility tariffs to support the demonstration.