30% cut in Govt. Fuel

By Edmund Mingle
The government has directed a 30 per cent cut in the fuel consumption by Ministries, Departments and Agencies as part of measures to reduce its fuel cost.

In addition, all government vehicles are to properly labeled “GV,” for easy identification, a move which the government believes would prevent the misuse of state vehicles.

Mrs. Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Information, explaining the rationale behind the cut to the Times on telephone yesterday, said that with the measure, government hoped to spend much less revenue on fuel consumption.

The move comes after the announcement of a 30 per cent increase in prices of petroleum products at the weekend.

According to her, it was advisable for the government institutions to have reduced fuel that could be effectively managed than abundant fuel that is abused by the government She explained that cut in the fuel consumption which will affect public officials, would ensure judicious use of the commodity.

She said government functionaries have a duty to manage and save fuel as the increases in fuel prices has pushed people into adopting effective fuel management practices.

With regard to the labeling of the government vehicles, she it was part of efforts to ensure that government vehicles were used for official duties and not private purposes by government officials.

She was optimistic that the measures would inure to the benefit of Ghanaians in that the revenue that would be saved from the fuel consumption cut could be used to invest in the provision of social amenities.

"There have been instances in the past when government vehicles have been used for private and unofficial functions like funerals, parties and church services among others,” she said.