The Minority in Parliament has condemned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) approval of new utility tariff increases and demanded their immediate withdrawal, describing the hikes as “punitive” and a “direct assault” on the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
The PURC last week announced a 9.86% increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.92% rise in water tariffs effective January 1, 2026, as part of a multi-year tariff review spanning 2026–2030. The Commission justified the adjustments citing inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the need to fund investments in the sector.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, December 8, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee and MP for Asene Manso Akroso, George Kwame Aboagye, said the cumulative 28.14% electricity tariff increase within a short period was unacceptable, especially when the sector continues to record about 32% in technical and commercial losses.
“This government has chosen the lazy path of shifting its failures onto already suffering consumers,” Mr Aboagye charged. “These tariff hikes are not reforms—they are punishments. They are symptoms of failed leadership and poor policy choices.”
He warned that the increases would push households into “utility poverty,” erode the recently approved 9% wage adjustment for 2026, and threaten the survival of small and medium-scale enterprises that form the backbone of the economy.
Mr Aboagye highlighted that Ghana’s current peak electricity demand stands at 4,080 megawatts with an average of about 3,500 megawatts, yet the country loses between $80 million and $90 million annually due to unaddressed system losses.
“If you deduct 30% losses—12% technical and 20% commercial—you can see the magnitude of money lost. Can’t we use this money to offset whatever cost or debt we have instead of punishing consumers?” he asked.
He stressed that tariff reviews can also be downward and urged the government to prioritise fixing inefficiencies rather than repeatedly burdening citizens.
“The Minority stands with Ghanaian workers, households, small businesses and industries struggling to survive. These tariff hikes must be reversed immediately,” Mr Aboagye added.