NPP Responsible for Tariff Hike Framework Through IMF Deal – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister for Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of double standards in its criticism of proposed utility tariff increases.

His remarks follow NPP concerns over potential hikes by the Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and Ghana Water Limited (GWL).

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu argued that the tariff adjustment mechanism stems from conditionalities agreed upon by the previous NPP government under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

“As part of the IMF arrangements the NPP signed onto, they accepted quarterly tariff reviews in order to access about $300 million. This was concluded in December 2024, and they even agreed on a mid-year adjustment in September. So when the NPP now complains, it is sheer hypocrisy because they committed to it,” he said.

He further explained that while utility providers submit proposals for review, government often scales them back significantly.

“It’s not every proposal that is approved. Almost always, their figures are reduced substantially. I’m confident the final adjustments will not reflect the full proposals currently on the table,” he added.