- GUTA unhappy about the recent upward adjustment in water and electricity tariffs
- PURC said electricity tariffs would increase by 3.02% and water tariffs by 1.86%
- The upward adjustment takes effect October 1,2024
The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has raised concerns about the recent upward adjustment in water and electricity tariffs, arguing that it will further diminish the purchasing power of consumers.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced on Saturday, September 28, that electricity tariffs would increase by 3.02% and water tariffs by 1.86% effective October 1, citing exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and rising gas prices as justifications for the adjustment.
Joseph Paddy, Public Relations Officer for GUTA, expressed dismay at the decision, stating that the increase will exacerbate the already challenging living standards of Ghanaians.
“The new tariffs are not justifiable,” Paddy said. “They are a direct result of increasing gas prices, interest rates, and exchange rates. The question is, who is responsible for the rising exchange rates? This is a recurring issue that the fiscal committee has been raising concerns about.”
He continued, “The government needs to re-evaluate this decision, as it will make the cost of living in Ghana extremely difficult and unaffordable for many. Ghanaians are already struggling with the high cost of living, and this increase comes at a particularly challenging time.”
