'New tariff hikes a grave betrayal'

The Minority caucus in Parliament has criticised the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over its latest electricity tariff adjustment, describing the increase as a betrayal of promises made to Ghanaians by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, June 25, the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, expressed concern over the PURC’s decision to increase electricity tariffs by 3.49 percent effective July 1, 2026, while water tariffs are also set to rise by 0.85 percent.

According to him, the tariff adjustment runs contrary to campaign assurances made by the NDC ahead of the 2024 general elections.

“I address you today with deep concern and a sense of betrayal on behalf of every Ghanaian who went to the polls in December 2024 and voted for change, for relief, and for a government that promised to ease the cost of living.

“On 22nd June, 2026, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced yet another upward adjustment in electricity tariffs. A 3.49% increase, effective 1st July, 2026, with water tariffs also going up by 0.85%. This is the latest chapter in an unbroken story of tariff escalation under the John Mahama-led NDC administration.

The lawmaker noted that cumulative electricity tariff increases since January 2025 now stand at 26.82 percent, despite a temporary reduction announced earlier this year.

He pointed to a series of quarterly adjustments, including increases in 2025 and 2026, arguing that the overall trend reflects a continuous rise in electricity costs for consumers.

Adomako Mensah also questioned the significance of the PURC’s second-quarter tariff reduction of 4.81 percent, which took effect in April 2026. He contended that the relief was short-lived and had effectively been wiped out by the latest increase.

According to him, the reduction was not the result of any deliberate policy intervention but rather a technical adjustment influenced by temporary macroeconomic factors, including a brief appreciation of the Ghana cedi and lower inflation figures.

Click here to read the full statement.

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