The Minority in Parliament is calling for greater transparency from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) following the announcement of new increases in electricity and water tariffs set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Under the latest adjustment, electricity consumers will pay 3.49 percent more, while water tariffs have been increased by 0.85 percent.
The decision has triggered concerns from the Minority, who say the justification for the hikes must be clearly explained to the public.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament, Deputy Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, questioned why utility tariffs are going up at a time government officials continue to highlight positive economic indicators.
He noted that the government has repeatedly pointed to a stronger cedi, falling inflation, and declining interest rates as signs of economic recovery.
According to him, these improvements should normally reduce pressure on utility providers rather than result in higher costs for consumers.
Mr. Adomako Mensah argued that if the macroeconomic environment is truly improving, households and businesses should be experiencing relief in utility bills instead of facing additional charges.
He further stressed that the Minority expects the PURC to make public all the data, assumptions, and formulas used in arriving at the new tariff levels.
In his view, such transparency is necessary to build public trust and ensure accountability in the pricing process.
The Minority also accused the government of being inconsistent in its communication, claiming that it often takes credit for tariff reductions but avoids responsibility when increases are announced.
Mr. Adomako Mensah maintained that the government cannot be separated from decisions of the PURC, given its influence in appointing the Commission’s leadership and shaping policies in the energy and water sectors.
The group is urging the regulator to ensure that future tariff reviews are backed by clear evidence and linked to actual improvements in service delivery.
They also expressed concern about ongoing challenges in the power sector, including frequent outages, disputes over prepaid meter deductions, and persistent complaints about Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) billing practices.
The Minority says it will continue to scrutinise tariff decisions and push for a pricing system that is fair, transparent, and reflective of real economic conditions.
It is also calling on civil society groups, labour unions, and the general public to demand accountability in the management of utility tariffs.
