Report by Austin Agyenim Boateng
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that utility companies deliver quality, reliable, and affordable services within a fair and transparent tariff structure that protects consumers while sustaining national development.
Speaking at a Public Hearing on the 2025–2030 Major Tariff Review held in Sunyani, the Executive Secretary of the PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, said the Commission remains focused on building a resilient, transparent, and cost-effective utility framework that guarantees efficiency and fairness for both service providers and customers.
“Our goal is to safeguard the interests of consumers while ensuring that utility companies remain financially sustainable,” Dr. Suleman said.
“We are committed to fairness, accountability, and transparency in the tariff-setting process, and every contribution made here today will inform our final decision.”
Inclusive stakeholder engagement
The public hearing brought together traditional authorities, local government representatives, utility providers, market and farmers’ associations, tertiary institutions, and security agencies from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions. The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the proposed tariff adjustments, express their concerns, and share feedback directly with the Commission and utility service providers.
Dr. Suleman highlighted the importance of reliable utility services to the region’s economic growth, describing Bono as “the agricultural hub of Ghana.” He noted that farmers rely heavily on electricity and water for mechanised farming, agro-processing, and cold storage, while the region’s fast-growing educational, health, and industrial sectors depend on a stable utility supply for effective operations.
“Reliable power and water supply drive productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the quality of life in our communities,” he stated.
“That is why we are committed to a tariff structure that reflects real costs but remains sensitive to the socio-economic conditions of our people.”
Stakeholder input to shape final tariff decision
Dr. Suleman further assured that the feedback gathered during the hearings will be instrumental in shaping the 2025–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).
“Every submission, question, and recommendation made here reflects the lived experiences of Ghanaians,” he explained.
“These insights will help us strike a balance between cost recovery for service providers and affordability for consumers.”
He added that the Commission would also analyse proposals submitted by the utility companies and take into account regional socio-economic conditions before finalising the tariff order.
Leaders commend PURC’s transparency
The Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, commended the Commission for its consultative and transparent approach, noting that such engagements strengthen public confidence in governance and regulatory systems.
“PURC’s willingness to listen to citizens is commendable. It assures the public that their voices matter in shaping decisions that affect their daily lives,” Mr. Akwaboa said.
The Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor, also lauded the Commission’s outreach and urged utility providers to intensify public education on tariff adjustments to promote better understanding among consumers.
Utilities defend proposals amid public concerns
Representatives from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Volta River Authority (VRA), and GRIDCo were present to justify their proposed tariff adjustments. They explained that the upward reviews are necessary to maintain infrastructure, replace obsolete equipment, and manage rising operational costs, including the high cost of treating polluted water sources.
Despite these explanations, some participants, including teachers, health workers, and traders, expressed concern that the proposed increases were too high and could strain household budgets. They appealed to the Commission to moderate the adjustments and suggested that tariff announcements be made twice yearly instead of several times a year to allow consumers to plan more effectively.
Strengthening trust through nationwide consultations
The public hearing in Sunyani forms part of the PURC’s nationwide consultative process, designed to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in determining fair and sustainable utility tariffs for the next five years.
