Accra, Ghana – September 16, 2025 – The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has commenced a nationwide public hearing on proposals submitted by utility companies as part of the 2025-2029 Multi-Year Tariff Review. The Commission met with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to discuss the proposals and gather feedback from stakeholders.
PURC Seeks to Promote Transparency and Accountability
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, stated that the public hearings aim to enhance the relationship between utilities and consumers, promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in the tariff-setting process. “The goal of creating this platform is to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in tariff setting, while ensuring that the Commission’s decisions strike a balance between economic realities and social considerations,” he added.
TUC’s Role in Shaping Utility Tariffs
Dr. Shafic acknowledged the crucial role of TUC in defending the interests of workers and households. “The TUC has historically been the vanguard of social justice, defending not only wages and employment but also the purchasing power and dignity of the Ghanaian worker,” he said. “Your perspective ensures that the Commission’s decisions are grounded in real economic and labour conditions.”
Key Issues Discussed
The meeting discussed several key issues, including: The impact of tariff adjustments on workers and households. The need for reliable and affordable power and water to support national policy initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy. The importance of social equity, national stability, and the long-term welfare of the people in utility reforms
TUC’s Concerns and Recommendations
The Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Joshua Ansah, urged stakeholders to pay close attention to the presentations from utility companies and to contribute meaningfully. He also called on the Government of Ghana to take decisive action to address the pollution of water intake points caused by illegal miners. This would help reduce operational costs for Ghana Water Limited and alleviate the burden of high water tariffs on workers.
The public hearings, which began on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Accra, have already included input from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media representatives. Several utility companies—such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Enclave Power Company Limited, Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Ghana National Gas Company Limited, and Ghana Water Company Limited—have presented and defended their proposals during these sessions.
Next Steps
The public hearings will continue in the coming weeks, with regional engagements to follow. The Commission will consider the feedback and input from stakeholders in its decision-making process. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the electricity, water, and natural gas sectors in Ghana.
Source: Myjoyonline
