Former Deputy Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has expressed disappointment and surprise over the recent announcement of increased electricity and water tariffs by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
The new rates, set to take effect on May 3, 2025, will see electricity tariffs rise by an average of 14.75% and water tariffs increase by 4.02%.
Adomako-Mensah’s criticism stems from promises made by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign.
“I’m a little bit surprised about the announcement because of the rhetoric prior to the 2024 election,” he said on Channel One Newsroom with Umaru Sanda Amadu.
He specifically pointed to statements made by President John Dramani Mahama and NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who suggested that electricity tariffs would be reduced as part of their commitment to supporting a proposed 24-hour economy.
“If you recall, this issue became topical when political figures made some pronouncements to the effect that they would rather try as much as possible to reduce electricity tariffs, especially with the 24-hour economy mantra,” Adomako-Mensah explained.
“If you recall, I listened to the president and the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, while campaigning [in 2024]; they indicated that one of the features of the 24-hour economy is to have electricity tariffs reduced for companies that will opt for the 24-hour economy. That is where the surprise is coming from.”
Despite his criticism, Adomako-Mensah acknowledged the financial challenges facing the PURC, particularly the issue of purchasing power in U.S. dollars while selling it to consumers in Ghana cedis. It’s worth noting that Adomako-Mensah was appointed Deputy Minister for Energy under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in February 2024, showcasing his experience in the energy sector.
