Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has slammed government over increment in utility tariffs. Mr. Awuku has questioned the decision to go ahead with the increment announced by the Public Utility Regulatory Commission, PURC when Ghanaians are still recovering from floods, power outages, and a rising cost of living.
In a post on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, Republic Day, Mr. Awuku described the move as ironic given the significance of Republic Day which symbolizes freedom and self-determination. According to him the increment is a fifth of its kind under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in 18 months.
“Today is 1st July 2026, our Republic Day. A day that symbolizes our nation’s freedom, resilience and self-determination. Yet today, instead of giving Ghanaians something to celebrate, we have been greeted with yet another increase in utility tariffs,” he stated.
PURC announced electricity tariffs effective today July 1 is going up by 3.49% and water by 0.85%.
The Akuapem North Mp chronicled previous increments under the Mahama administration: 14.75% for electricity and 4.02% for water in May 2025; 2.45% for electricity in July 2025; 1.14% in October 2025; and 9.86% for electricity and 15.92% for water in January 2026.
Mr. Awuku questioned the government’s economic messaging, noting that while officials tout lower inflation and a stronger cedi, household bills keep rising.
“If the economy is doing so well, why are the bills of ordinary Ghanaians getting heavier with almost every tariff review? The market woman doesn’t pay her bills with inflation figures. The barber doesn’t pay his ECG bill with exchange rate statistics,” he stated.
He added that at a time when many families are dealing with flood damage and frequent power cuts, another increase in utility bills is insensitive.
“Ghanaians were promised relief. What they are experiencing instead is one increase after another. Enough is enough,”
