Ghana: Minority MPs Demand Immediate Withdrawal Of New Year Electricity And Water Tariff Hikes

Minority Members of Parliament in Ghana are calling for the immediate reversal of the 9.86% electricity tariff increase and the 15.92% water tariff hike set to take effect on January 1, 2026, vowing to use every parliamentary avenue to block the adjustments.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, December 8, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, said the hikes represent an unacceptable shock to already struggling households and businesses.

He stressed that the Minority would stand firmly with the public.

Mr. Aboagye emphasized that the Minority’s position is firm and non-negotiable, describing the tariff hikes as an act of exploitation rather than responsible leadership by the government.

A cross-section of Ghanaians, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has criticized the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for approving the increases, arguing that higher electricity and water tariffs will place additional burdens on workers.

“Our position remains firm and non-negotiable. These tariff hikes must be reversed immediately, and measures must be taken to protect consumers and sustain businesses,” he insisted.

He stressed that the public deserves economic stability rather than continuous setbacks:

“Ghanaians deserve relief, not repeated shocks. They deserve leadership, not exploitation. And as a Minority Caucus, we will continue to hold this government accountable and defend the rights of the people.”

Mr. Aboagye further stated that the Minority Caucus would not rely solely on public criticism but would use its legislative powers to demand fairness and accountability in the management of the nation’s utilities.

“We call on the government to immediately halt these incessant increases. The Minority stands firmly with Ghanaian workers, households, small businesses, and industries struggling to survive.”

Outlining their strategy, he added: “We will continue to use every legitimate parliamentary tool to demand fairness, transparency, and accountability in the management of the nation’s utilities.”

This parliamentary push could involve filing motions, posing urgent questions, or calling for a special debate on the impact and justification for the tariff adjustments approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

The Minority’s strong stance is fueled by concerns over the potential economic harm to key segments of the Ghanaian economy, particularly households and small businesses.