By: Henrietta Afful
Ghanaian Actor Oscar Provencal, says strikes have become a norm in Ghana especially when people, public and private institutions want their demands to be met.
Mr. Oscar Provencal said this mechanism seems to be working but that should not be the case in every situation.
His comments follow the decision by the Coalition of Private Transport Operators to embark on a strike if the government fails to reduce taxes on fuel.
The group has given the government of Ghana a three-day ultimatum which ends Thursday November 11, 2021 for the government to grant their request or face the wrath of their members.
The intended strike would begin at 3pm Thursday, November 11, 2021.
The Coalition of Private Transport Operators consists of the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), Association of Tipper Truck Drivers, Harbor Transport Owners, Ghana National Cargo Transport Association, Ghana Committed Drivers Association, Concerned Drivers Association, Digital Drivers, Commercial motorbike riders, popularly referred to as Okada, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers among others.
The Group blames taxes, levies and margins on petroleum products as the main causes of the continuous rise in the prices of fuel.
This came out during a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
However, the renowned Actor says, embarking on a strike is not the way out. He said a strike should be the last resort when all possible avenues have been exhausted.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show, the “Inspector Bediako” Star said the ordinary Ghanaian will be the one to bear the brunt of the strike and therefore appealed to the transport operators to be considerate.
“Strike is a mechanism that seems to be working but the ordinary Ghanaian must be taken into consideration” he said.
He said though taxes on fuel have increased, that should not be the basis for profiteering on the part of transport operators and drivers.
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He charged transport operators to decrease transport prices once taxes on fuel are reduced.
“I am hoping that when oil prices eventually go down, transport operators will also decrease their fares” he said.
He said Ghana needs to look into the future and explore other avenues noting that electric cars could be an alternative if taxes and pump prices of fuel continue to increase.
For his part, Media, Brands and Culture Specialist, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah blames authorities and stakeholders for any intended strike saying, “strikes are not the failure of the people who strike”.
He said when authorities act in a timeous manner, they can allay the problems that lead to strike.
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