Dr. Gideon Boako Criticizes Government Over Utility Tariff Hikes Amid Cost of Living Concerns

In a press release dated April 11, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an upward review of tariffs, with electricity rates increasing by 14.75% and water tariffs by 4.02%. The adjustments, which take effect immediately, are part of the Commission’s Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism.

According to PURC, the tariff changes were driven by fluctuations in four key variables: the Cedi-to-Dollar exchange rate, inflation, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel—particularly natural gas. The Commission emphasized that the quarterly reviews are designed to ensure fair cost recovery by utility providers while preventing both over- and under-recovery of revenues.

Reacting to the announcement, Dr. Boako took to his official X (formerly Twitter) page to express his disappointment, arguing that the move contradicts the NDC government’s campaign promise to alleviate economic hardship.

“Today, the government of the NDC that promised to reduce the cost of living for Ghanaians has, in their first four months in office, increased electricity tariffs by 14.75%. Coming events, they say, cast their own shadows,” Dr. Boako stated.

He further challenged attempts to attribute the hikes to the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, pointing out that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration managed to maintain more stable tariffs under similar IMF conditions.

“Let this not be blamed on any IMF programme because the data above shows that under the same IMF programmes, the NPP managed the electricity tariffs better,” Dr. Boako asserted.

The tariff increases come at a time when Ghanaians are already grappling with high inflation, a depreciating currency, and rising food prices—raising broader questions about the government’s ability to deliver on its economic promises.

Meanwhile, the PURC has reassured the public that its rate-setting process remains transparent and evidence-based, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of utility services while protecting consumers from arbitrary pricing.