An economist at the University of Ghana has criticized the Public Utility Regulatory Commission over its decision to maintain utility tariffs at the first quarter rates.

Professor Godfred Bokpin is not convinced about the decision announced by the regulator that prices will remain unchanged after the first quarter because factors considered in the automatic adjustment formula have been stable.

On April 15, Director of Public affairs at PURC, Nana Yaa Jantuah hinted the Commission was not going to increase utility tariffs in the country.

According to her, after the Commission applied the Tariffs Automatic Adjustment Formula (AAF) - a system used in the calculation of utility tariffs in the country, it realized there was no cost to be passed on to consumers.

Speaking to Joy News, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Stanley Martey welcomed the announcement as good news.

He said considering the public dissatisfaction and debate the December 2015 tariffs increment generated in the country, it will be unfortunate for the PURC to increase tariffs again.

Mr. Martey said Ghanaians should be given some period of time to adapt to the last increment before an addition is made.

But speaking to Joy News, Prof. Bokpin contended PURC was pressured to arrive at that decision.

The economist said he sees the possibility of the regulator imposing hefty tariffs on consumers in the foreseeable future