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The Ghana Hotels Association has announced its intention to formally complain to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) regarding the recent tariff increase.
On June 1, 2023, the PURC approved a water and electricity tariff rise.
The decision to raise the tariffs considered various factors, such as the cost of electricity, escalating expenses for raw water treatment chemicals, exchange rates, and inflation, as assessed by the regulatory body.
However, the tariff hike has faced strong opposition from multiple stakeholders, spearheaded by the Association of Ghana Industries. Concerns have been raised about the potential adverse effects on local businesses.
Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr, the President of the Ghana Hotels Association, expressed the burden experienced by their members because of the substantial 160 percent increase.
During an interview with Citi News, he underscored the urgent need to reverse this decision in order to ease the strain on indigenous businesses.
“We understand the challenges our country faces, and utility tariffs are adjusted every quarter, typically increasing. We have no issue with these adjustments as long as they are communicated to us, allowing us to prepare and understand their impact on our budget and costs,” stated Dr. Ackah-Nyamike.
“However, when an increase of 8.3 percent turns into 167 percent, it becomes alarming and creates anxiety. We want to prevent such actions in the future, which is why we are petitioning. We are currently in discussions with our executives and members,” he added.
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Source: Omanghana.com
