Govt must re-engage PURC to review tariff hikes – Ade Coker

Former Greater Accra Regional NDC Chairman, Joseph Ade Coker, has called on government to re-engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over the recently announced utility tariff hikes.

Effective May 3, electricity tariffs will rise by 14.75%, while water tariffs will go up by 4.02%, following PURC’s quarterly review.

Citing economic pressures such as inflation, fuel prices, and exchange rate volatility, PURC defended the hikes as necessary for stabilizing utility services. However, Ade Coker believes the government must step in to ease the burden on citizens.

Speaking on Channel One TV, he advocated for a collaborative approach that avoids political blame games. “Government should sit down with PURC and reduce the impact—if not 14%, maybe down to 7%, so people can manage,” he suggested.

He also urged the administration to introduce policy measures that cushion Ghanaians, stressing that the issue must rise above partisan politics.