General News of Friday, 9 February 2001

Source: GNA

NPP denies promising to double wages

NPP Members of Parliament on Thursday denied that the party ever made a promise to workers to double their wages/salaries if the NPP came to power.

The issue came under hot debate in parliament when Mr Amos Buertey, NDC Ada alluded to it during his contribution to a motion on the approval of the third batch of four ministers.

He said those nominees who were known critics of the previous government should assume office quickly to enable them to deliver on their promise of doubling salaries, abolishing the cash and carry system and creating more jobs for the youth.

Mr Stephen Balado Manu NPP Ahafo Ano South got up, on point of order, and challenged Mr Buertey to substantiate the claim that NPP said it would double salaries.

Mr Manu said it was not in the NPP manifesto and it was not said on any political platform that workers salaries would be doubled. Madam Hawa Yakubu, NPP Bawku Central and Minister of Tourism said if Mr Buertey could not substantiate his claim then he should withdraw it.

The Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, advised Mr Buertey to support his statement or withdraw before continuing his contribution to the debate. Amidst shouts of WITHDRAW, WITHDRAW, from the majority side, Mr Buertey said: "I withdraw for now. At the appropriate time I will furnish the House".