Government has directed the Accountant General’s Department to pay all workers by the close of next week. This is expected to mitigate the impact of the recent fuel price increases on civil servants. The government also intends to increase the fleet of Metro Mass Transit busses to reduce pressure on transport unions especially in major cities and towns. It forms part of mechanisms to alleviate the plight of Ghanaians following the recent fuel price increases. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting between government's economic management team and stakeholders including the Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Employers Association, Ghana Bankers Association, Chamber of Commerce and the Trades Union Congress. The TUC has already condemned the removal of subsidies on fuel and called for its immediate restoration. But Deputy Minister for Information, Baba Jamal is optimistic the interim measure will be effective. “So the Minister of Finance has already initiated the action to ensure that salaries are paid earlier than even expected. So we are hoping that by 17th, 18th [January] all workers would have received their salaries, or latest by 20th they would have received their salaries.” Baba Jamal also stated that all salary arrears will also be cleared by June.