TUC Demands Suspension of Utility Tariff Increases, Calls for Fresh Consultations

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has urged the government to suspend the recent utility tariff increases announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), insisting that the consultative process must be fully exhausted before implementation.

At a press conference in Accra, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah assured workers that the union would resist any tariff hikes that undermine the modest nine per cent wage adjustment granted by government for 2026.

“Why should workers pay for the new tariff increment that takes effect on January 1, 2026, when their meagre nine per cent pay adjustment will only be received at the end of January? This borders on insensitivity,” Mr Ansah stated after a meeting of the union’s Steering Committee.

The committee expressed outrage over the PURC’s decision to raise electricity tariffs by 9.8 per cent and water tariffs by 15.9 per cent. Mr Ansah argued that the consultative process initiated with the TUC at the Alisa Hotel in Accra was not concluded before the announcement.

“The PURC had sent a message to engage the TUC on December 8, 2025, only for the commission to announce the tariff increase on December 2. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Responding to questions about TUC’s representation on the PURC board, Mr Ansah acknowledged the union’s presence but stressed that it did not prevent them from opposing decisions that harm workers. “Whether we have a representative there or not, if the decision is not good for workers, we must speak against it,” he added.

Asked about the union’s next steps if government fails to suspend the tariffs, Mr Ansah remarked: “When we get to the bridge, we will cross it.”

Meanwhile, the PURC explained that the tariff adjustments, effective January 1, 2026, were approved after the completion of the Multi-Year Tariff Review Order (MYTO) for the 2026–2030 period. A statement signed by Executive Secretary Dr Shafic Suleman said the review considered utility investment needs, industrial competitiveness, and consumer living conditions. The commission emphasised that the exercise was distinct from quarterly reviews, which focus solely on operational expenses beyond the control of service providers.

--- Graphic Online