The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has vehemently rejected the recent utility tariff increase approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Alpha Shaban, GUTA described the tariff hike as unjustified and warned that it would place an unfair burden on consumers.
GUTA pointed to systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement within the utility sector, accusing both the PURC and utility providers of failing to tackle wastage and corruption within the industry.
The PURC, on Friday, April 11, 2025, announced that electricity tariffs would rise by 14.75% and water tariffs by 4.02%, effective May 3.
The Commission attributed the increases to fluctuations in the exchange rate, rising domestic inflation, the cost of natural gas, and changes in the electricity generation mix.
However, the business community has raised several concerns, including inflated procurement costs that benefit individuals, ineffective bill collection from state institutions leading to debts passed on to consumers, rampant illegal connections, weak oversight by the PURC, and theft incidents such as the missing ECG containers scandal.
Emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and better governance to protect consumers and stabilise the economy, GUTA is demanding stronger action against corruption.