The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has implemented its much‑anticipated 2026–2030 Multi‑Year Tariff Order (MYTO), ushering in a 9.86% increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.92% rise in water charges for residential and non‑residential consumers, effective today, January 1, 2026.
The announcement follows extended consultations with stakeholders, including labour unions, civil society, consumer groups, and Members of Parliament.
In detailed tariff schedules published by the Commission, residential electricity customers now pay 88.37 GHp/kWh for lifeline consumption (0–30 kWh), up from 80.44 GHp/kWh, with higher bands also adjusted upwards. Non‑residential users saw similar increases. Water tariffs climbed across all bands, with households consuming up to 5 m³ now charged 612.25 GHp/m³, up from 528.18 GHp/m³ last year.
The adjustments were reached after meetings with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which raised serious concerns about the impact on workers already grappling with economic pressures. Joshua Ansah, Secretary‑General of the TUC, said labour was particularly alarmed that the utility hikes “have completely eroded the nine per cent wage adjustment for 2026,” warning that without further engagement, unions would consider resisting implementation.
Despite the agreement on the tariff path, public criticism has been intense. Civil society groups such as the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) slammed the tariff increase as “unrealistic” and unfair to consumers, insisting that Ghanaian households “should not bear the cost of systemic inefficiencies within utility providers.” CPA leadership argued that factors such as high non-revenue water, technical losses, persistent supply interruptions, and poor service delivery should be addressed before burdening ratepayers.
Political leaders also weighed in. George Kwame Aboagye, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, labelled the hikes a “symptom of failed leadership” and demanded their reversal, stressing that the policy places undue strain on households and businesses already navigating tough economic conditions. “Ghanaians deserve relief, not repeated shocks,” he said at a December press briefing.
PURC defended its decision, explaining that the revised tariffs reflect longer-term investment needs, macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and exchange rates, and the necessity of sustaining reliable service delivery over the coming years. The regulator stressed that broad stakeholder engagement, including regional forums and investor hearings, informed its MYTO review.
As the new tariff regime takes effect, both government and labour leaders have committed to continued dialogue to monitor impacts and mitigate burdens on consumers, with attention now turning to ensuring efficiency improvements within Ghana’s utilities.
