The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned the government over recent utility tariff increases, calling for an immediate reversal of what they describe as harsh and unjustified measures that will strain households and businesses.

The backlash follows the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) announcement of a 9.86% increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.92% rise in water tariffs, effective January 1, 2026, as part of its 2026–2030 multi-year tariff review. While PURC argues the adjustments are necessary to address investment gaps, inflation, and exchange-rate pressures, the Minority contends that longstanding inefficiencies in the power sector are the real issue.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, December 8, Ranking Member of the Energy Committee and Asene Manso Akroso MP, George Kwame Aboagye, criticised what he described as a cumulative 28.14% rise in electricity tariffs over a short period, despite commercial and technical losses estimated at 32%.

“These hikes are a direct assault on the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians and the survival of businesses,” he said, accusing the government of shifting its failures onto already struggling consumers. He noted that the increases would effectively cancel out the recently approved 9% wage adjustment for 2026 and push more households into “utility poverty,” while threatening the viability of small and medium enterprises.

“These tariff hikes are not reforms—they are punishments. They reflect failed leadership and poor policy choices. We call on the government to halt these incessant increases. The hikes must be reversed immediately,” Aboagye said.

He also questioned why power sector losses continue to rise despite stable electricity demand. With peak demand at 4,080 megawatts and an average of 3,500 megawatts, Aboagye noted that the country loses millions annually due to inefficiencies.

“If you deduct 30% losses—12% technical and 20% commercial—you can see the magnitude of money lost. We are losing about 80 to 90 million dollars. Can’t this money be used to offset debts? When you talk about a ‘review,’ it can be downward or upward. So why not downward?” he asked.

The Minority maintains that ordinary Ghanaians cannot absorb further tariff shocks and has urged the government to withdraw the increases immediately.