The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, has urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the ongoing utility tariff review process.
He made the appeal during a public hearing in Cape Coast on the 2025–2029 Multi-Year Tariff Review Period organized by the PURC. The forum brought together policymakers, regulators, service providers, and consumers to deliberate on proposals for new electricity and water tariffs over the next four years.
Osabarima Kwesi Atta II emphasized that tariff discussions transcend mere economic calculations, explaining that electricity and water are essential services that directly impact the standard of living, education, healthcare, and national productivity.
“Utility tariffs represent more than just numbers on a bill. They reflect how we balance affordability for consumers with the sustainability of providers. Electricity and water are necessities, not luxuries. They drive education, health, industry, and the overall quality of life.” he said.
The Oguaa Omanhen noted that while utility companies face challenges such as rising operational costs, fuel price fluctuations, and aging infrastructure, citizens also deserve to understand why tariffs are adjusted and how funds are utilized.
“Transparency and accountability in tariff setting must remain at the heart of our processes. Citizens deserve to know why tariffs change, how funds are raised, and what improvements they can expect,” he stated, urging policymakers and regulators to engage openly with consumers.
He also encouraged Ghanaians to adopt efficient consumption habits to help reduce waste and ease pressure on national utility systems, stressing that responsible usage complements efforts to stabilize tariffs.
“Efficient use of electricity and water helps reduce waste, lower household costs, and ease pressure on supply systems,” he added. “We must strive for balance ensuring that utility providers remain viable while citizens are not overburdened.”
Commissioner of the PURC, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, also addressed the forum, calling on Ghanaians to take an active role in the tariff discussions. He explained that the Commission’s final decision will not be based solely on financial data or technical analyses but will reflect the input and experiences of consumers.
“These are the proposals the utility companies have presented to the Commission, and the way we work is that we treat them as the science of tariff determination,” Dr. Otoo said. “But it is not only about calculations and costs. It is also about listening to the people who are affected and ensuring their voices are heard.”
Dr. Otoo revealed that some companies, such as the Ghana Water Company Limited, had factored the high cost of treating heavily polluted water due to illegal mining into their proposals.
He noted that such engagements often become platforms for citizens to express their frustrations about service delivery, such as irregular water supply or power outages, and urged the public not to miss the opportunity to question tariff proposals.
The Cape Coast hearing forms part of a series of nationwide stakeholder consultations organized by the PURC ahead of its final decision on electricity and water tariffs for the 2025–2029 period. The Commission said the exercise aims to promote transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the tariff determination process.
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Source: Anthony Ayisadu Sasu/ATLFMNEWS
