The Minority in Parliament has sharply criticised the government over the latest utility tariff adjustments, demanding that the increases be withdrawn immediately. They argue the hikes are harsh, unwarranted, and will further strain the already difficult living conditions of Ghanaians.
Their reaction follows the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) announcement of a 9.86% rise in electricity tariffs and a 15.92% increase in water tariffs, effective January 1, 2026, under its 2026–2030 multi-year review. The Commission said the adjustments are needed to support investments, address inflation and exchange rate pressures, and keep utility companies viable.
However, the Minority insists that instead of burdening the public, the government should address longstanding inefficiencies in the sector. They maintain that eliminating the significant annual losses in the power system alone would reduce the need for tariff hikes. According to them, consumers cannot absorb additional costs, and an immediate reversal is necessary.
Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday, December 8, George Kwame Aboagye—Ranking Member on the Energy Committee and MP for Asene Manso Akroso—condemned what he described as a cumulative 28.14% increase in electricity tariffs within a short time. He said the move is unacceptable given the persistent 32% commercial and technical losses recorded in the power sector.
Aboagye argued that imposing higher tariffs despite these inefficiencies is “an attack on the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians and the survival of businesses,” accusing the government of choosing “the lazy route of pushing its failures onto consumers.”
He warned that the increases will wipe out the recently approved 9% wage increment for 2026 and push many households into “utility poverty,” where families cannot afford essential electricity needs. Small and medium-scale businesses, he added, risk collapse due to rising operational expenses.
“These are not reforms—they are penalties,” he stated. “They reflect bad leadership and poor policy direction. The government must stop these relentless increases. The Minority stands with workers, families, and businesses that are struggling. The hikes must be reversed now.”
Commenting on the country’s energy performance, Aboagye questioned the continued massive losses despite stable demand. He noted that with Ghana’s peak demand at about 4,080 megawatts and average demand around 3,500 megawatts, the 30% system losses—split between technical and commercial shortfalls—translate into about $80 million to $90 million lost.
“Why can’t these funds be used to clear debts or reduce costs?” he asked. “We talk about losses all the time, yet nothing is done. Reviews can go up or down—so why not down?”
