Ghanaian Workers Union Rejects New Electricity And Water Tariffs Set For January 1, 2026

Ghana’s Trades Union Congress (TUC), the umbrella body of labour unions in the West African nation, has expressed outrage over the 9.86% and 15.92% increases in electricity and water tariffs announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Mr. Joshua Ansah, on Wednesday, December 3, the TUC said: “Workers cannot accept these increases unless the government comes back to the negotiating table to top up the wage increase for 2026.”

The union stated that it would vehemently protest the new tariffs unless the government reviewed the 9% wage adjustment for 2026, warning that failure to act could trigger nationwide mobilisation against the new tariffs.

The TUC stressed that it would reject the increases unless the government returned to the negotiating table, cautioning that any inaction could lead to a nationwide pushback:

“Anything short of that, the TUC will mobilise workers to resist the implementation of these insensitive increases in utility prices.”

Describing the hikes as a “New Year’s gift” from the government, the union lamented that the decision contradicts the recently approved 9% increase in the national minimum wage and base pay of workers.

The TUC also contended that the adjustments would wipe out the gains expected from the 2026 wage increment, noting that workers were already concerned about the insufficiency of the 9% wage increase amid unbearable living costs.

The union added that electricity tariffs rose by more than 18% in 2025 despite a 10% wage increase for the same period.

According to the TUC, the new hikes reflect “government’s insensitivity” to the economic hardships facing workers and ordinary Ghanaians, effectively cancelling out the 9% wage adjustment for 2026.

The union further announced plans to hold a press conference on Monday, December 8, 2025, to outline its next steps in response to what it described as “obnoxious” utility price increases.

The new electricity and water tariffs, expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, follow a comprehensive review by the PURC involving extensive public hearings, consultations, and stakeholder engagements on proposals submitted by utility companies.

The Commission said the adjustments were necessary to address the investment needs of utility providers, maintain industry competitiveness, and safeguard consumer interests, among other considerations.