By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Somanya (E/R), Dec. 22, GNA – Residents of Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality have expressed strong opposition to the recent increase in electricity and water tariffs announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
They described the move as insensitive to the harsh economic realities facing ordinary people in the Krobo area.
The PURC announced the upward adjustments to electricity and water tariffs following the completion of its 2026–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review (MYTO), and it will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Somanya, the residents said the increment would further strain household budgets already affected by rising food prices, transportation costs, and unstable incomes.
Mr. Kwame Teye Okoto, a carpenter and resident of Adjikpo, said utility services were necessities and should not be made unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
“Utility services are necessities. Increasing tariffs at this time will affect every family in Somanya. The PURC should have properly consulted the Krobo people before taking such a decision,” he said.
At the Somanya main market, traders echoed similar concerns, warning that the increment would negatively affect their businesses and livelihoods.
Ms. Yomley Odonkor, a vegetable seller, explained that electricity was essential for lighting and storage, and any increase in tariffs would reduce already thin profit margins.
“When the bills go up, we either increase prices or reduce our profit. Customers complain, but we also have families to take care of,” she said.
Another trader, Mr. Kofi Tetteh, who sells frozen fish, noted that unreliable power supply already caused losses through spoilage.
“Sometimes the light goes off without notice, and our goods get spoilt. Instead of fixing these problems, they want us to pay more,” he lamented.
Residents in Odumase-Krobo in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality also raised concerns about the impact of the increment on low-income households.
Ms. Dede Gladys Awaitey, a mother of five, said many families were already struggling to cope with irregular water supply despite receiving bills regularly.
“There are times water does not flow for days, yet the bills keep coming. If electricity also increases, life will be very hard for us,” she said.
A commercial driver, Mr. Alexander Doku, called on the PURC to prioritise direct engagement with local communities before implementing such policies.
“They should come to Somanya and Odumase, sit with chiefs, opinion leaders, traders, and drivers, and listen to our concerns. If they fail to review the increment and go ahead with it, we will hit the streets to express our displeasure,” he warned.
The residents further complained about persistent service delivery challenges, including power fluctuations, and irregular water supply in parts of Somanya and Odumase-Krobo.
They urged utility providers to address inefficiencies, reduce system losses, and improve service quality before implementing any tariff increases.
Mr. Thomas Teye Wayo, a drinking bar operator therefore appealed to the government and the PURC to review the tariff increment and suspend its implementation until broader stakeholder consultations are carried out across Krobo communities.
As public dissatisfaction continues to grow, the concerns raised by residents of Somanya and Odumase-Krobo reflect a wider national call for transparency, accountability, and people-centered decision-making in utility tariff adjustments.
GNA
Edited by E. B. Addae/Kenneth Odeng Adade