By Umaru Sanda Amadu

ACCRA, Ghana 

Thousands of workers took to the streets of cities in Ghana on Wednesday to protest against the economic policies of President John Mahama.

At least 3,500 marched in capital Accra, according to police, with other demonstrations taking place in regional centers around the country.

“We are already burdened so why would the government put us through more pain?” protestor Julius Mensah told Anadolu Agency. “They have increased water, electricity, petrol and now they want us to pay more tax.”

A new tax on petrol, utility price hikes and other fresh taxes have come ten months before an election that is expected to see Mahama face stiff competition from opposition leader Nana Akufo Addo.

Protesting under the umbrella of Organized Labour, the demonstrators were drawn from teachers, industrial workers, drivers and nurses among others.

“We were even better off under colonialism,” John Akyea said.

Kofi Asamoah, secretary general of the Trades Union Congress, said the increases were “unbearable for workers and businesses”.

He added: “Organized Labour is asking government to reduce the rate of utility tariff increases from their current levels to 50 percent for both electricity and water.”

Employment and Labor Relations Minister Haruna Iddrisu received a petition from the marchers amid boos and jeers. He assured workers the government would act on their demands.