A nationwide survey reveals 62% of Ghanaian electricity consumers are willing to pay higher tariffs for reliable power, prioritizing service stability over affordability.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) study, covering 3,759 respondents across all 16 regions in May-June 2025, found 84% consider consistent electricity “utmost importance” for economic and social development.
Urban dwellers, business owners, and high-income households (spending over GH₵1,000 monthly) drove this preference, citing academic and commercial needs.
Conversely, students, unemployed citizens, and low-income groups expressed acute price sensitivity. The report noted gender and education disparities: men and highly educated respondents favored reliability, while women emphasized affordability.
Regional divides emerged starkly. Rural areas tolerated fluctuations due to cost constraints, whereas urban centers demanded stability. Despite 68% prepaid meter adoption signaling shift to pay-as-you-go models affordability barriers persist for vulnerable populations.
Systemic challenges surfaced in feedback:
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29.4% demanded tariff reductions
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20.4% cited operational inefficiencies and illegal connections
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14% sought consumer-centric policy reforms
Distrust toward providers like ECG and VRA was widespread, with respondents urging proactive outage communications via SMS and improved transparency.
The PURC emphasized these findings necessitate balanced policies enhancing grid reliability while addressing affordability.
“Understanding these preferences supports equitable socio-economic development,” the report concluded, urging stakeholder action to strengthen Ghana’s energy future under President Mahama’s administration.