The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticised the government over the recent utility tariff increases, calling for an immediate reversal of what they describe as harsh and unjustified measures that will further strain households and businesses.
The backlash follows the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) announcement of a 9.86% increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.92% rise in water tariffs, effective January 1, 2026, under its 2026–2030 multi-year tariff review.
While PURC maintains that the adjustments are necessary to cover investment gaps, inflation, and exchange-rate pressures, the Minority insists that the government’s failure to address longstanding inefficiencies in the power sector is the root problem.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, December 8, Ranking Member on the Energy Committee and MP for Asene Manso Akroso, George Kwame Aboagye, criticised what he described as a cumulative 28.14% rise in electricity tariffs over a short period, despite persistent commercial and technical losses estimated at 32%.
He called the hikes “a direct assault on the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians and the survival of businesses,” accusing the government of shifting its failures onto already struggling consumers.
According to Aboagye, the increases will nullify the recently approved 9% wage adjustment for 2026 and push more households into “utility poverty.” He warned that many small and medium enterprises could collapse under escalating operational costs.
“These tariff hikes are not reforms—they are punishments,” he said.
“They are symptoms of failed leadership and poor policy choices. We call on the government to halt these incessant increases. The hikes must be reversed immediately.”
Aboagye also questioned why power sector losses continue to rise despite stable demand, noting that with a peak demand of 4,080 megawatts and an average of 3,500 megawatts, the country loses millions annually to inefficiencies.
“If you deduct 30% losses—12% technical and 20% commercial—you can see the magnitude of money lost. We are losing about 80 to 90 million dollars,” he said.
“Can’t this money be used to offset debts? When you talk about a ‘review,’ it can be downward or upward. So why not downward?”
The Minority insists that ordinary Ghanaians cannot absorb any further tariff shocks and has urged the government to withdraw the increases without delay.
Source: adomonline.com
