The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has issued a strong rebuke of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) following its announcement of a utility tariff increase.
GUTA described the Commission’s justification as weak and out of touch with the harsh economic realities facing traders and the wider Ghanaian public.
PURC recently approved a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% rise in water rates, both set to take effect from May 3, 2025.
According to the Commission, the upward adjustment is based on various economic factors, including the cedi-dollar exchange rate, inflation trends, rising fuel costs, particularly natural gas, and the current balance of hydro and thermal power generation.
But in a statement signed by General Secretary Alpha A. Shaban, GUTA dismissed these reasons as inadequate and unconvincing.
GUTA argued that instead of passing the cost on to consumers, PURC and utility providers should address deep-rooted inefficiencies and waste in service delivery.
The group pointed to poor management at institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited as the real source of rising costs, not market conditions alone.
The association didn’t stop there; it also aimed at the broader public sector, accusing it of becoming a vehicle for self-enrichment rather than public service.
“The public sector seems to be turning into a gold mine, where officials exploit the system to enrich themselves in record time,” the statement read.
GUTA is, therefore, urging the government to take swift action against corruption and mismanagement across state institutions.
The group further called for a thorough investigation into the misuse of public resources and the recovery of stolen assets.
“We urge government to take decisive action against theft, misappropriation, and the misuse of public funds or property. These are the real threats to our economy—not the people trying to make an honest living,” the statement concluded.
Below is the full statement
