The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to suspend the implementation of its proposed electricity and water tariff increases scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
The call follows PURC’s announcement on Monday, June 22, of an upward adjustment in utility tariffs, which will result in consumers paying more for electricity and water services.
Under the Commission’s third-quarter tariff adjustment, electricity tariffs have been increased by 3.49 per cent, while water tariffs have gone up by 0.85 per cent.
However, GUTA, in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 24, rejected the reasons provided by PURC for the increment, describing them as untenable and similar to explanations used in previous tariff reviews.
The Association argued that factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, fuel prices, and the generation mix do not justify the proposed increases.
According to GUTA, the cedi’s 4.18 per cent depreciation between April and May is insignificant and cannot warrant an adjustment in tariffs. It also noted that the rise in inflation from 3.4 per cent to 3.7 per cent is minimal.
The Association further stated that fuel prices declined during the second pricing window in June, with petrol prices falling by 9.3 per cent and diesel by 1.7 per cent.
GUTA also maintained that there are no challenges with the country’s generation mix, as all power generation equipment is functioning properly.
The Association therefore insisted that PURC has no justification for the tariff increases and called on the Commission to reconsider its decision.
