General News of Thursday, 31 March 2005

Source: GNA

Wahala Three demonstration in Ho

Ho, March 31, GNA- The Committee of Joint Action (CJA) on Thursday organised the third demonstration against the recent 50 per cent hike in fuel prices by Government in Ho, in the Volta Region.

The demonstration dubbed: "Wahala Three", which started on a low key around 0925 hours, was addressed by the Presidential Candidate of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Election 2004, Professor John Evans Atta Mills who pledged the commitment of the CJA to pursue the objectives of the street protests.

"We are disciplined people, all we want is for President Kufuor to give Ghanaians their dignity by reviewing the current high fuel prices down to make life more tolerable for them," he told the cheering crowd clad in red.

Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, National Organiser of the NDC said reasons given by the Government to justify the fuel price increases was based on lies.

The placards were generally critical of the increases and poor incomes of workers in Ghana and the inability of people to pay utility bills and school fees.

They also slammed the perceived spending spree of government on its appointees

Mr Mohammed N.A. Adams, Deputy Regional Police Commander told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that about 500 truncheon and shield bearing police personnel were present to check any breach of the law. Mr Modestus Ahiable, Regional Chairman of the NDC told the GNA that organisers of the demonstration did not encounter any problem with the security personnel.

A similar protest march was schedule for Wa in the Upper West Region.