By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani, (Bono), Oct. 17, GNA-Dr Shafic Suleman, the Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), says the commission is working tirelessly to ensure a moderate tariff structure for utility consumers.
He explained that the commission had received some proposals from utility providers on tariffs adjustment, saying the commission will strike a strong balance for mutual benefit.
“The PURC is yet to analyze the proposals by the utility companies and to give a due consideration to the socio-economic circumstances in the various regions before issuing a tariff order”, Dr Suleman stated, when speaking at a public hearing on the 2025-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review in Sunyani.
It was attended by farmers, entrepreneurs, unions and other stakeholders as well as utility service providers.
Dr Suleman said: “Every submission, question, and recommendation from consumers reflect live experiences of the people and so the insights gathered will guide PURC’s decision as it finalizes the 2025-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order”.
He said: “Conversations about tariffs directly affect the local economy spanning agriculture, agro-processing, education, and small-scale industries in the regions”, citing farmers depended largely on electricity for mechanized processing and cold storage.
Therefore, when power supply becomes unstable or unaffordable, it leads to high post-harvest losses and thereby affects their profits.
Dr Suleman said: “Similarly, when water tariffs increase without corresponding improvements in supply, agro-industries and communities face operational constraints that ripple through local markets”.
He said beyond agriculture, educational institutions, health facilities, and cottage industries, all relied on consistent utility services to function efficiently, saying that “reliable utility services are not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable growth”.
Some of the participants also shared their views on utility tariffs in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA). Imam Seidu Yeboah, the Vice Chairman of the Techiman Main Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union urged the utility service providers to invest in solar energy, saying that was a more affordable and sustainable alternative.
Madam Kadija Adjei, the Assembly Member for the Atonafi Electoral Area in the Dormaa East District said she was hopeful that the government would tackle rising utility tariffs in the country.
Mr Ernest Gardesey, the Bono Regional Chairman of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), called on the utility companies to “reduce system and technical losses to prevent passing unnecessary costs to consumers”.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/George-Ramsey Benamba