GUTA Rejects Utility Tariff Increases, Demands Reform and Accountability
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has strongly opposed the recent hike in utility tariffs sanctioned by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), arguing that the move lacks justification and places an undue burden on consumers. In a statement signed by General Secretary Alpha Shaban on April 15, GUTA criticized the decision, pointing to widespread inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement in the utility sector as the core issues that should be addressed instead of increasing costs for the public.
GUTA believes that domestic and commercial users are being unfairly penalized due to the persistent failure of utility companies and regulators to clean up the system. The union cited inflated procurement processes that benefit individuals, lax bill collection from state institutions—which leads to unpaid debts shifted onto consumers—rampant illegal electricity connections, and inadequate oversight by the PURC as some of the major factors driving the sector’s dysfunction. Notably, they referenced the unresolved case of missing Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) containers as a symbol of the lack of accountability.
In response, GUTA is calling on the government to take decisive action by clamping down on corruption within the utility sector, recovering misappropriated state resources, and instituting reforms to improve efficiency and management. They argue that if resources are properly utilized, Ghana could unlock significant economic potential.
According to GUTA, the current state of mismanagement is increasing production costs for local industries and the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to rising inflation and weakening the national currency. These negative economic impacts, the union stressed, can only be reversed through collaboration among stakeholders and a strong commitment to good governance.
The group’s statement further emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of utilities. They urged PURC and other regulatory bodies to enforce stricter standards and ensure that funds are used efficiently to benefit the wider population.
In conclusion, GUTA condemned the tariff increases as a short-sighted solution that fails to tackle the real problems plaguing the utility sector. They reiterated that Ghana’s development is being stifled by corruption and poor leadership and insisted on urgent reforms to protect consumers, stabilize the economy, and promote sustainable national progress.
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