TUC pushes for suspension of new utility tariffs increase

The Trades Union Congress is calling on the government to immediately suspend the newly announced utility tariff increases, cautioning that failure to do so could spark strong pushback from workers across the country.

Addressing journalists in Accra on December 8, TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah described the adjustments as unfair and out of touch with the daily struggles of Ghanaian workers.

His comments follow the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s announcement last week of a 9.8 percent increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.9 per cent rise in water tariffs, a decision that has drawn criticism from organised labour.

Mr Ansah said the TUC and its affiliate unions are deeply disappointed that the tariff review was carried out despite earlier commitments to engage labour before any final decision.

He stressed that workers are already grappling with rising living costs and cannot bear additional financial pressure at this time.

In his appeal to the government, he stated that “in a spirit of fairness and mutual respect for our social partnership, we demand that the government suspend the announced tariff increases and immediately return to the agreed consultation process.”

He warned that the labour front is prepared to respond if the government insists on implementing the new tariffs.

He also argued that the recently announced 9 per cent base pay increase is inadequate and poorly timed, especially when workers are expected to start paying higher tariffs at the beginning of January.

Mr Ansah urged the government to return to the negotiation table to review the wage adjustment upward and ease the burden on workers who, he said, deserve to live with dignity amid economic hardship.