The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is urging the government to immediately suspend the recently announced increases in electricity and water tariffs, cautioning that proceeding with the new rates could provoke strong national resistance from workers.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra on December 8, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah criticised the new adjustments, describing them as unfair and disconnected from the economic hardships currently facing Ghanaian workers. His remarks follow the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) announcement of a 9.8% increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.9% increase in water tariffs.
Mr. Ansah expressed disappointment that the tariff review was finalised despite prior assurances that organised labour would be consulted before any decisions were made. He stressed that workers are already burdened by rising living costs and cannot withstand additional financial pressure.
“In the spirit of fairness and mutual respect for our social partnership, we demand that the government suspend the announced tariff increases and immediately return to the agreed consultation process,” he stated.
He further warned that organised labour is prepared to take action should the government move ahead with implementing the new rates.
Commenting on the recently announced 9% base pay increase, Mr. Ansah described it as insufficient—especially with the higher utility tariffs scheduled to take effect in January. He called on the government to resume negotiations on wage adjustments, emphasising that workers deserve to maintain a dignified standard of living despite ongoing economic challenges.
Source: The Ghana Report
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