CJA Condemns Fuel Price Increase

The Committee for Joint Action, (CJA) has registered its dismay at last Friday�s fuel price increment and has called on the Atta Mills led government to immediately remove the five percent increase on all petroleum products. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on Friday, October 30, announced a five percent increase in all petroleum products across board. The increment, according to the NPA was necessitated by hikes in crude oil prices in the world market which currently hangs around $80 per barrel. However, in an interview with Citi News, a member of the CJA, Bernard Mornah said �there cannot be any economic justification for the 5% increment in fuel prices� Mr. Mornah disclosed that the CJA would be issuing a formal statement on Monday, Nov 2, to declare its position on the matter; after which it would consider the next line of action. With the increase, a litre of petrol now sells at GHp116.98, up from GHp111.41 while Premix fuel sells at GHp54.27 per litre, and diesel at GHp118.05, up from GHp112.06. Already commercial drivers have increased transportation fares although the Ghana Road and Transport Co-coordinating council has issued a directive to the contrary. Bernard Monah reiterated the group�s call for government to consider other alternative source of energy in order to ease the burden on Ghanaians. �There has always been calls to explore alternative sources of energy�in Brazil they use sugarcane for bio fuel because of its beneficial effect. We have the money to put up a presidential palace for the benefit and comfort of some individuals and we cannot do to salvage the future of our people; it�s unacceptable. He said. In an earlier incrememnt in June this year, the CJA lashed at the government and challenged energy experts in the country to "think outside the box" for alternative solutions to the problem. It is unclear what action the pressure group will take should the government fail to reverse the 5% increment. However speculations are rife that the CJA may hit the streets to demonstrate its protest should the Mills government fail to heed to its demand.