Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Joseph Ade Coker
Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has advised the government to re-engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in discussions aimed at reducing the recently announced utility tariff hikes.
His call comes after PURC announced an upward adjustment in electricity and water tariffs, set to take effect on May 3, 2025.
The increase is intended to ensure revenue stability for utility providers while also attempting to minimize the financial burden on consumers.
Electricity tariffs are expected to rise by an average of 14.75%, while water tariffs will increase by 4.02%.
The PURC cited the exchange rate, inflation trends, and fuel prices as key factors influencing the decision.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, and monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Ade Coker emphasised the need to avoid politicising the current situation.
“I believe the government should go back to PURC, sit down with them, and find a way… this quarterly review in the system, we need to tweak it a bit and reduce the rate. From 14% to maybe 7%, people will be able to appreciate that,” he said on April 14, 2025.
He further called on the government to cushion the public through thoughtful policy interventions.
“So, by the close of business, the government should come out with a policy on how to ensure that Ghanaians don’t feel the full impact. Let’s elevate the conversation to another level and stop trying to politicize the issue. Let’s move past the ‘Mahama did this, Mahama did that,’” he added.
SP/MA
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