Africa-Press – Ghana. Residents of Kadjebi in the Oti Region have expressed dissatisfied reactions to the newly announced electricity and water tariff increases by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), warning that the adjustments could worsen economic hardship for households and small businesses.
The new tariffs, which are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, were announced by the PURC on Wednesday, December 3. Under the adjustments, electricity tariffs will increase by 9.86 per cent, while water tariffs will go up by 15.92 per cent.
According to the PURC, the increments are necessary to ensure the sustainability of utility service providers, enable them to meet operational costs, and maintain or improve the quality of service delivery across the country.
However, residents described the timing of the increases as inappropriate, particularly given the current economic pressures facing many families and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Mr John Kuyon, a resident of the Cocoa Market area in Kadjebi and operator of a cold-store business, said the electricity tariff hike would significantly affect his operations. He explained that electricity accounted for the largest portion of his business expenses.
“With this new increase, my cost of operation will go up sharply. I may be forced to increase the prices of frozen products just to survive, but that could drive customers away,” he said.
Mr Kuyon added that recovering investments under the current economic conditions was already difficult, and the new tariff would further compound the challenge.
Ms Janet Amenorgbe, a seamstress at Asito, another suburb of Kadjebi, also raised concerns about the potential impact on her tailoring business.
She noted that the cost of powering sewing machines, pressing irons, and lighting had steadily increased over the years.
“This electricity increase will collapse my small shop if nothing is done. I am appealing to the PURC to review the decision downward so that small businesses like mine can continue to operate,” she pleaded.
Other residents who shared their views echoed similar sentiments, stating that the tariff hikes could reduce disposable incomes, increase the prices of goods and services, and place additional strain on already tight household budgets.
Some community members expressed worry that rural and semi-urban communities such as Kadjebi, where income levels are low and employment opportunities limited, would be disproportionately affected by the increases.
They called on the PURC and government to consider the living conditions of ordinary citizens and introduce measures to cushion vulnerable households, including subsidies or gradual implementation of the new tariffs.
Despite the concerns, a few residents acknowledged the need for utility companies to remain operational and efficient but insisted that any increases should be moderate and matched with visible improvements in service delivery.
Residents appealed to the PURC to engage further with the public and reconsider the adjustments to protect livelihoods and ensure that access to essential utilities remains affordable for all.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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