Takoradi, July 21, GNA - The Western Region branch of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has appealed to the government and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to engage stakeholders in discussions on how to review the recently announced increases in utilities tariffs.

Mr. Jim Peter Djan, the Regional Chairman and the acting National Vice Chairman of the Union, made the call at Regional meeting of the union at Takoradi.

He said the high tariffs had to be brought down to make them affordable to industries and ordinary Ghanaians and to ensure that the government's "Better Ghana Agenda" becomes a reality.

Mr. Djan said the union expected a positive response from the government and the PURC to this demand or it might embark on a massive demonstration against the tariff increases in Sekondi-Takoradi on July 28 before deciding on the next line of action.

He said the ICU was not against increases in tariffs per se but was concerned about the level of the increases that were not commensurate with salary levels.

Mr. Djan said there was the need for the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Ghana Water Company to address waste, illegal connections and huge outstanding bills including bills of the government in their operations.

He said the tariff increases would negatively impact on the manufacturing sector and some companies might lay off workers.