The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has strongly opposed the recent utility tariff increases approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), citing systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement within the utility sector as key concerns.
GUTA argues that the tariff hikes are unjustified and will worsen the already difficult living conditions of Ghanaians by further reducing consumers’ purchasing power.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Alpha Shaban, GUTA criticized the PURC’s decision, describing the tariff increases as unfair and detrimental to both domestic and commercial consumers.
“The increase will unfairly burden domestic and commercial users, worsening the cost of living,” the statement said.
The association blamed the hikes on deep-rooted issues within the utility sector, including wastage, inflated procurement contracts, weak oversight, and failure to recover debts from state institutions—burdens they say are unfairly shifted onto ordinary consumers.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the PURC announced a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% rise in water tariffs, set to take effect on May 3.
The Commission cited several factors for the adjustments, including:
- Exchange rate fluctuations
- Rising domestic inflation
- Increased costs of natural gas
- Changes in the electricity generation mix
However, GUTA maintains that these justifications overlook the more pressing issue of mismanagement. The group referenced recent controversies, such as the alleged ECG containers scandal, to illustrate the depth of corruption and inefficiencies in the system.
The association is calling for increased transparency, stronger regulatory oversight, and improved governance in the utility sector to protect consumer interests and ensure long-term economic stability.
