The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has reaffirmed its determination to ensure that Ghanaians enjoy quality, reliable, and affordable utility services under a fair and transparent tariff regime that supports both consumer welfare and national development.
Speaking at the Public Hearing on the 2025–2030 Major Tariff Review in Sunyani, Executive Secretary of PURC, Shafic Suleman, underscored the Commission’s commitment to building a resilient and balanced utility system that ensures value for money for consumers while maintaining the financial sustainability of service providers.
“Our duty is to ensure that every Ghanaian receives value for money through fair tariffs that support quality service delivery.
“I can assure you there will be a strong balance between what the utilities are requesting and what you, the consumers, want.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
He emphasized that the Commission remains committed to transparency and accountability, adding that feedback gathered through the public hearings would play a crucial role in shaping a tariff framework that reflects the economic realities of citizens and ensures stable operations for utilities.
“The views gathered here today will help us shape a tariff framework that reflects the realities of our people while keeping the utilities financially sustainable.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
Engaging Stakeholders for Transparency
The hearing drew participation from traditional authorities, local government representatives, utility companies, market associations, tertiary institutions, and security agencies from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions.
The platform allowed participants to openly discuss proposed tariff adjustments, raise concerns, and contribute ideas to guide the PURC’s final decisions on the 2025–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).
Suleman highlighted the importance of reliable utility services in driving economic growth across the Bono Region, which he described as the “agricultural hub of Ghana.”
He said consistent electricity and water supply were essential to sustaining mechanised farming, agro-processing, cold storage, and industrial production, which collectively form the backbone of the region’s economy.
“A stable utility sector is the backbone of economic growth.
“When our farmers, hospitals, schools, and industries have reliable electricity and water, productivity increases, and communities thrive.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
Officials from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Volta River Authority (VRA), and GRIDCo were present at the hearing to justify their proposed revisions.
They explained that infrastructure maintenance, replacement of obsolete equipment, and rising operational costs especially those related to treating polluted water sources and sustaining power generation necessitated the request for tariff increases.
The utilities also cited currency depreciation and inflationary pressures as factors that continue to affect cost structures, stressing that periodic adjustments are necessary to prevent service disruptions and maintain network reliability.
Local Leaders Applaud the Engagement
In his remarks, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa commended the PURC for its inclusive and consultative approach, describing it as vital to strengthening public confidence in the Commission’s work.
“The Commission’s engagement with the people promotes transparency and inclusiveness.
“It assures citizens that their voices truly matter in decisions that affect their livelihoods.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
The Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor, also praised the Commission’s outreach and encouraged utility providers to intensify public education on tariff changes to help consumers understand the rationale behind them.
“Many consumers do not understand why tariffs change or what factors influence them.
“If utility companies communicate more openly, people will appreciate the process better and cooperate.”
Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
A Balanced Path Forward
Mr. Suleman reiterated that all feedback from the regional hearings would be carefully considered before final decisions are made.
“Every submission, question, and recommendation made here represents the lived experiences of the Ghanaian consumer.
“We will consider these inputs alongside proposals from the utility companies to ensure the final tariff decision is both economically sound and socially responsive.”
Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
He stressed that the PURC’s goal is not just to approve tariffs, but to build a resilient and equitable energy and water sector that can support Ghana’s industrialisation and social development agenda.
The Sunyani public hearing forms part of the PURC’s nationwide stakeholder consultation, a key step in the tariff determination process aimed at fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
Similar engagements are being held across all regions to ensure that the final 2025–2030 tariff framework reflects the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians.
As the Commission works to balance consumer protection with industry sustainability, stakeholders across the country are watching closely, hopeful that the outcome will deliver a fair, efficient, and reliable utility system that drives Ghana’s long-term development.
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