Collins Adomako-Mensah, former Deputy Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, has expressed disappointment and surprise over the recent increase in electricity and water tariffs.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 14.75% hike in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs, effective May 3, 2025.
Speaking on Channel One tv, Mr. Adomako-Mensah said, “I’m a little bit surprised about the announcement because of the rhetoric prior to the 2024 election.”
He cited statements made by President John Dramani Mahama and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, suggesting that electricity tariffs would be reduced as part of their commitment to supporting the proposed 24-hour economy.
“If you recall, this issue became topical when political figures made some pronouncements to the effect that they would rather try as much as possible to reduce electricity tariffs, especially with the 24-hour economy mantra,” Mr. Adomako-Mensah explained. “If you recall, I listened to the president and the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, while campaigning [in 2024]; they indicated that one of the features of the 24-hour economy is to have electricity tariffs reduced for companies that will opt for the 24-hour economy. That is where the surprise is coming from.”
Despite his criticism, Mr. Adomako-Mensah acknowledged the financial challenges facing the PURC, particularly the issue of purchasing power in U.S. dollars while selling it to consumers in Ghana cedis.