Regional News of Monday, 18 January 2016

Source: tv3network.com

Courts to close nationwide on Wednesday

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Justice delivery is expected to be halted on Wednesday as staff of the various courts in the country join Organised Labour to demonstrate over the recent utility hikes and taxes on petroluem products.

A statement issued Monday and signed by the General Secretary of the Judicial Staff Association of Ghana [JUSAG], Derick Annan, directed all its members to put on their arm-red bands and polo shirts, and join the demonstration in their respective regions.

Security personnel of JUSAG have, however, been exempted from taking part in the planned nationwide demonstration, as they have been directed to "remain at post to ensure protection and safety of Judicial Service property".

JUSAG has consequently asked all regional executives to provide placards for staff and partake in meetings by Organised Labour in their various regions, adding "all regional executives to ensure strict compliance of press statement dated 15th January, 2016.

The statement further asked members of JUSAG to stay in tune for further directives by the leadership of Organised Labour after the Wednesday demonstration.

"We, respectfully, count on the cooperation of management, stakeholders and all members of JUSAG on all this important activity," the statement concluded.

Organised Labour in a letter dated January 15 declared a nationwide demonstration over what it described as astronomical increases in utility prices and the introduction of the Energy Sector Levy Act 2015 [ACT 899].

"Organised Labour's intended nationwide action is in connection with government's refusal to reduce the recent astronomical increases in utility tariffs, taxes and fuel prices, ass demanded by Organised Labour," it said.

It plans to follow up the demonstration with a nationwide strike by all working class from January 21.