The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has sharply criticised the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over the recent hikes in electricity and water tariffs, describing the move as poorly justified and out of touch with the harsh economic realities facing businesses and consumers alike.
The backlash follows PURC’s announcement of a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% increase in water charges, set to take effect on May 3, 2025.
PURC cited a combination of economic and operational factors behind the adjustment, including the depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar, inflation forecasts, rising fuel costs—particularly natural gas—and the current mix of hydro and thermal power generation.
However, in a statement signed by GUTA’s General Secretary, Alpha A. Shaban, the Association dismissed the justification, calling it unconvincing.
“The reasons do not hold water,” the statement declared. “We appreciate that change is sometimes necessary, but not at the discretion of a single body, especially when it disregards the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians.”
GUTA argued that rather than transferring costs to consumers, the PURC should prioritize addressing inefficiencies and waste within the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited, which they say are the real causes of inflated operational expenses.
The statement also included a broader criticism of the public sector, alleging that it has become a “gold mine” for personal gain among some public and civil servants—further eroding public confidence in such decisions.
GUTA has called on the government and relevant institutions to reconsider the tariff increases and instead focus on structural reforms that protect both consumers and the business community.
