Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, has firmly declared that he will oppose any proposal submitted by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on September 9, Bedzrah stated, “As the Chairman of the Energy Committee, I will not approve of anything that ECG will bring to us.”
His firm position follows ECG’s recent request to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for a substantial 225% increase in its Distribution Service Charge. The company argues that the hike is critical to avoid financial collapse and ensure a stable power supply.
However, Bedzrah expressed strong skepticism and resistance.
When host Evans Mensah asked for clarification—“You mean what you mean?”—Bedzrah responded, “Yes, zero. I just returned from abroad and on my own page—our committee’s WhatsApp platform—it was bipartisan criticism of ECG. No one will support this.”
He added that ECG’s previous tariff increases had already caused frustration within Parliament.
“The last time they raised tariffs by 17%, we told them they should have consulted us—but they didn’t. So how can you now propose a 225% increase?” he questioned.
Reflecting on his past views, Bedzrah acknowledged that he once held a more accommodating stance on utility tariffs during his time as Ranking Member for Works and Housing and Water Resources.
“Honestly, back then I even told PURC I would support a 300% increase. But now, as Chairman of the Energy Committee, having listened to PURC, ECG, and all the agencies involved—I won’t approve anything ECG brings forward.”
Bedzrah’s comments come as PURC continues stakeholder consultations on proposals from both ECG and the Ghana Water Company Limited, which is also seeking a 280% tariff increase, citing water pollution and illegal mining as key challenges.
