The People’s Forum has rejected the latest tariff review by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), calling on the Commission to reduce electricity tariffs by at least 10 per cent.
According to the group, a deeper reduction would significantly ease the burden on consumers.
The call follows the PURC’s announcement on Friday, March 13, 2026, that electricity tariffs would be reduced by an average of 4.81 per cent, while water tariffs would decrease by 3.06 per cent, effective April 1, 2026.
In a statement, signed by Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Team Lead for People’s Forum, acknowledged the Commission’s decision to reduce tariffs but said the adjustment does not go far enough to reflect current economic realities.
While describing the reduction as a positive response to public advocacy, the group said the 4.81 per cent decrease appears largely corrective, addressing earlier overcharging rather than fully reflecting improvements in key cost drivers.
It noted that a review of data contained in the PURC’s second quarter 2026 tariff decision, together with current economic indicators, suggests there is room for more significant reductions without threatening the sustainability of the utility sector.
“We therefore urge PURC to implement a further meaningful reduction in electricity tariffs, targeting at least an additional 10 per cent average, weighted toward residential and small non-residential users for the remainder of 2026, or at a minimum in the next quarter. This would better reflect actual, rather than projected, improvements and prevent the perpetuation of hardship,” the statement said.
The group also called on the Commission to maintain or freeze tariffs beyond this period if favourable economic indicators persist, to avoid possible increases later in the year.
According to the Forum, the strengthening of the cedi, declining inflation and lower fuel costs in recent periods indicate that utility tariffs should have been adjusted downward earlier.
It added that the latest reduction validates its position that previous tariffs were based on over-projections, particularly regarding exchange rates and inflation for 2025, which resulted in what it described as unnecessary over-recovery and increased financial pressure on consumers.
The group further appealed to the regulator to accelerate nationwide meter recalibration to address what it described as inflated readings and billing anomalies that continue to increase the effective cost of electricity for consumers.
“Maintain or freeze tariffs beyond this if indicators remain favourable, avoiding any Q2-end or Q3 increases. Accelerate nationwide meter recalibration to correct inflated readings, as ongoing billing anomalies continue to inflate effective costs beyond approved rates,” the statement said.
It also urged the PURC to organise an urgent stakeholder forum to review assumptions under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework and ensure that future adjustments prioritise consumer relief amid the ongoing economic recovery.
“Engage transparently with the public in an urgent stakeholder forum to review MYTO assumptions and ensure future adjustments prioritise consumer relief amid economic recovery. The People’s Forum appreciates this initial responsiveness but views it as incomplete.
“We stand ready for dialogue to achieve truly affordable and equitable energy access that supports households, businesses and the nation,” the statement added.
The People’s Forum stressed that although it appreciates the Commission’s responsiveness, the latest tariff reduction remains insufficient, noting that Ghanaians deserve utility tariffs that fully reflect improved economic conditions, including a stronger cedi, lower inflation and stable power generation.
