The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has firmly rejected an invitation from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to participate in a public hearing on proposed electricity and water tariff adjustments for the 2025-2029 regulatory period.
In a strongly-worded statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party expressed deep concerns over the timing of the proposed tariff increases, citing the already high cost of living faced by many Ghanaians.
The NPP highlighted several key issues with the proposed tariff hikes. Firstly, they pointed out that the recent introduction of the energy sector levy, popularly known as the “Dumsor Levy,” has significantly increased the economic burden on citizens.
This levy, which generates over GH¢575 million monthly and GH¢5.7 billion annually, should, according to the NPP, be utilized to support the operations of utility companies rather than justifying tariff increases.
Furthermore, the NPP accused the government of mismanaging regulated utility companies, describing the planned tariff hikes as “unacceptable.” They argued that the government’s inefficiencies should not be passed on to the already overburdened Ghanaian populace.
The NPP’s statement also touched on the issue of government mismanagement of utility companies. According to the party, the government’s inability to efficiently manage these entities is not a reason for Ghanaians to suffer through increased tariffs. Instead, the party believes that the revenue collected from the energy levy should be used to support these companies and alleviate the financial strain on citizens.
Responding to claims that the proposed tariff review is tied to Ghana’s ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, the NPP clarified that the current arrangement concludes in 2026. Therefore, they argue, the proposed tariff adjustments for the 2026-2029 period should not be justified by the conditions of a programme that will soon come to an end.
The party has made it clear that it will resist any attempts to impose additional financial burdens on Ghanaians. “We will use all legitimate means to protect the interests of the Ghanaian people,” the statement read.
