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The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has expressed concerns over the recent increases in water and electricity tariffs, questioning the justification for these adjustments. GUTA warned that the hikes will further diminish consumers’ purchasing power and exacerbate the already challenging cost of living in the country.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced on Saturday, September 28, a 3.02% increase in electricity tariffs and a 1.86% rise in water tariffs for the third quarter of 2024, effective from October 1. The commission cited factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and rising gas prices as reasons for the adjustments.
Joseph Paddy, Public Relations Officer for GUTA, criticized the increase, arguing that it would worsen the living standards of Ghanaians. He questioned the rationale behind citing exchange rate fluctuations and inflation as justifications, asking, “Who caused the exchange rate to go up?”
Paddy emphasized that the timing of the increase is problematic, as Ghanaians are already grappling with high living costs. He warned that the new tariffs could make life even more difficult for citizens, urging the authorities to reconsider the decision.
“Ghanaians are already complaining that the cost of living is extremely high, and now we are seeing this increase at a critical moment. Even the timing is also a challenge,” he added.
Source:Omanghana.com
