Reduce fuel prices or face court action - OccupyGhana tells NPA

OccupyGhana, a pressure group, has added its voice to the call on the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to reduce fuel prices as a matter of urgency.

It has, meanwhile, given a five-day ultimatum to the NPA to act on the calls for a reduction in the prices of petroleum products.

The call comes in the wake of recent agitations and calls by groups such as the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) and the Minority in Parliament for the NPA to reduce fuel prices.

OccupyGhana said failure to meet the deadline would result in a legal action to compel the NPA to act on the demands.  

“We expect the government and the NPA to reduce the price of petroleum products in line with the effective world market pricing within the next five working days. Failure to do so, OccupyGhana will look at the implications for our governance and the right of the Ghanaian,” the group said at a news conference in Accra yesterday.

OccupyGhana said the prices of crude oil on the international market had, since June 2014, been halved and, therefore, found the failure of the NPA to reduce fuel prices in the country unwarranted.

Adhere to formula

A member of OccupyGhana, Nana Akwasi Awuah, who acted as the spokesperson, stated that the NPA and the Ministry of Finance were short-changing Ghanaians on the petroleum prices.

He called on the NPA to strictly adhere to the automatic adjustment formula on petroleum pricing, stressing that it was necessary for the NPA to pass on the reduction of fuel prices to the public just as it did anytime there was an increase on the international market.

Other Trending Stories

Subsequent audit reports will vindicate National Cathedral project – Gov’t spokesperson

Chief Imam urges politicians to control their emotions ahead of December 7, polls

'FreeTheCitizens' protesters present petition to Attorney-General’s Office

At least 78 dead and dozens missing after ferry disaster in DR Congo

32 demonstrators sue AG, IGP over arrest, cites breach of human rights

The excuse by the NPA that the GH¢1.5 billion owed the Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) should be settled by maintaining prices is wrong, he said.

Electoral/educational reforms

In the coming year, Nana Awuah indicated that OccupyGhana would put measures in place to tackle issues of electoral and educational reforms.

He also said OccupyGhana had received responses from the Auditor General’s Department regarding a letter it (OccupyGhana) wrote to the latter on issues involving the use of public funds by erring officials.

“We wish to assure Ghanaians that this fight is not over and will not stop until we set Ghana in the right direction,” Nana Awuah added.