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The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has raised concerns over the recent increase in water and electricity tariffs, arguing that it will further diminish the purchasing power of consumers.
On Saturday, September 28, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 3.02% hike in electricity tariffs and a 1.86% rise in water tariffs, effective October 1, 2024. The PURC attributed the increase to factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and rising gas prices.
However, GUTA’s Public Relations Officer, Joseph Paddy, criticized the decision, stating that the tariff increase would worsen the already challenging living conditions for Ghanaians.
“The new tariff is not justifiable. The explanation that it’s due to increasing gas prices, interest rates, and exchange rates doesn’t hold. Who caused the exchange rate to rise? That’s what the fiscal committee has been complaining about—instability in the system,” Paddy remarked.
He also warned that the timing of the increase would aggravate the cost of living, which many Ghanaians are already struggling with.
“If they don’t reconsider, it will make living in the country extremely difficult and expensive for Ghanaians. People are already complaining about the high cost of living, and now we’re seeing an increase at such a critical moment. Even the timing is problematic,” Paddy added.
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