The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has begun nationwide public hearings on proposals submitted by utility companies under the 2025–2029 Multi-Year Tariff Review. As part of the process, the Commission met with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to solicit feedback and discuss the impact of the proposals on workers and households.
Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, said the hearings are designed to strengthen trust between utilities and consumers while ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in tariff-setting. “The platform provides an opportunity to balance economic realities with social considerations, so that our decisions remain fair and sustainable,” he explained.
TUC’s Stake in Utility Tariffs
Dr. Suleman highlighted the important role of the TUC in shaping tariff outcomes, noting its history of defending the interests of Ghanaian workers. “The TUC has long been at the forefront of protecting social justice, ensuring that workers’ purchasing power and dignity are preserved,” he said.
Key Discussions
Deliberations at the meeting focused on:
The effect of tariff adjustments on workers and households.
The need for reliable, affordable electricity and water to support initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy.
The broader implications of tariff reforms for equity, national stability, and long-term social welfare.
TUC’s Concerns
TUC Secretary General, Mr. Joshua Ansah, urged stakeholders to give serious attention to utility company submissions and provide constructive input. He also called on the government to tackle pollution of water sources caused by illegal mining, stressing that cleaner intake points would lower operational costs for Ghana Water Company Limited and help shield consumers from high tariffs.
The Way Forward
The public hearings, which began on September 8 in Accra, have already featured contributions from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media representatives. Utility providers including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), GRIDCo, Enclave Power Company, Ghana Gas, and Ghana Water Company Limited have all presented their proposals.
The PURC will continue the hearings across the regions in the coming weeks before making final decisions based on feedback from all stakeholders.
The PURC serves as Ghana’s regulator for the electricity, water, and natural gas sectors.